Press releases
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3,181 rows where chamber = "House", state = "IL" and year = 2020 sorted by date descending
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| url | title | date ▲ | year | month | party | chamber | state | member_name | bioguide_id | domain | scraper | source | date_source | text | has_text | collected_at | updated_at |
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| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-bill-elevate-antisemitism-envoy-ambassador-passes-house-headed | Schneider Bill to Elevate Antisemitism Envoy to Ambassador Passes House, Headed to President’s Desk | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON — Today, the House of Representatives unanimously passed legislation authored by Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10), Chris Smith (NJ-4), and Eliot Engel (NY-16) that would elevate the State Department's antisemitism Special Envoy position to an Ambassadorship, giving more clout to address the alarming rise in antisemitism worldwide. The House voted overwhelmingly to pass H.R. 221 in January 2019 and the Senate amended and approved the legislation earlier this month. The bill now heads to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. "Today, the House took historic action to combat hate by unanimously passing the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism Act and sending it to the President," said Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10). "The United States has a critical leadership role to play in stamping out hate, both at home and around the world, and with acts of antisemitism increasing across the globe, it's important that the United States Special Envoy have the authority and standing to lead the fight. As an Ambassador, this role will be better equipped to root out hate wherever and whenever it manifests. "I want to thank Congressman Chris Smith and House Foreign Affairs Chair Eliot Engel for working hard to keep this fight bipartisan and I look forward to continuing our work together to ensure the safety of Jewish communities across the globe." The House originally voted overwhelmingly to pass H.R. 221 in January 2019. The bill is endorsed by numerous organizations, including the Anti-Defamation League, B'nai B'rith International, the Simon Wiesenthal Center, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah, the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, and the Jewish Federations of North America. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-mcconnell-to-help-struggling-families-by-passing-2000-direct-payment-measure | Durbin Calls on McConnell to Help Struggling Families By Passing $2,000 Direct Payment Measure | 2020-12-31 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.31.20 Durbin Calls on McConnell to Help Struggling Families By Passing $2,000 Direct Payment Measure WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Senate Republicans to support the House-passed CASH Act, a measure that would increase direct payments from $600 to $2,000 for individuals earning less than $75,000 per year. The measure passed the House by a vote of 275-134, with 44 House Republicans supporting the bill. All we're saying to Senator McConnell is give us a chance to vote. You can vote no if you wish. Give us a chance to vote for the $2,000 that can make a difference in a person's life. $4,000 for a husband and wife who are struggling to get by. Rent checks, mortgage payments, car payments, utility bills, things that really are basic to family survival. We're trying to help, and I think we should be given that chance, Durbin said.If we are in touch with the reality in our home states, in our hometowns, we should do something, something significant to end this New Year on the right note. I plead with the Republican leader who has the power, the one, the sole member of Congress of 100 members, he has the power to bring this matter to a vote and to do it immediately, within the hour. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-mcconnell-to-bring-2000-direct-payment-measure-to-the-floor-for-a-vote | Durbin Calls on McConnell to Bring $2,000 Direct Payment Measure to the Floor for a Vote | 2020-12-30 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.30.20 Durbin Calls on McConnell to Bring $2,000 Direct Payment Measure to the Floor for a Vote WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Senate Republicans to support the House-passed CASH Act, a measure that would increase direct payments from $600 to $2,000 for individuals earning less than $75,000 per year. The measure passed the House yesterday by a vote of 275-134, with 44 House Republicans supporting the bill. Durbin also spoke about his frustration with President Donald Trump's delay in signing the final COVID-19 emergency relief package, which passed Congress last week. Unfortunately, the President delayed in signing the bill and creating needless uncertainty in America, particularly among the unemployed and others suffering from this economic and health crisis,Durbin said. One of the most widely discussed measures of the COVID-19 relief bill was the second round of economic impact payments. Just yesterday, the House of Representatives passed the CASH Act the head of the Federal Reserve, Chairman Powell, has really instructed us to keep the foot on the accelerator so that our economy doesn't slump into a recession. At a time when so many American families are laid off, unemployed, and simply struggling to get by, there is nothing more invigorating to the economy than to have a cash infusion. Durbin continued,By passing this enhanced measure, we could restore the American public's confidence in Washington, and the fact that we are listening and working together on a bipartisan basis to respond. This measure that passed the House of Representatives has the support of the President, Speaker Pelosi, House Democrats, as well as many House Republicans. Leader Schumer and my Senate Democratic colleagues support it. So I hope Senator McConnell, the Republican Leader, and his colleagues in the Republican caucus will join us to pass this bill quickly this week. In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin also reiterated his disappoint… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-i-will-vote-to-override-president-trumps-unforgivable-veto-of-ndaa | Durbin: I Will Vote to Override President Trump's Unforgivable Veto of NDAA | 2020-12-29 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.29.20 Durbin: I Will Vote to Override President Trump's Unforgivable Veto of NDAA WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today announced he would vote to override President Trump's reckless veto of the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021National Defense Authorization Act(NDAA). Last week, President Trump vetoed the NDAA over a provision to rename military bases named for Confederate generals and for not including a repeal of Section 230 liability protection for tech companies. Still, despite all the good things in this bill, the bipartisanship that supported it, President Trump decided to veto the bill, one of his rarer vetoes. He prefers we continue to honor the Confederate leaders who committed treasonous atrocities in order to preserve slavery. I don't think that is reflective of the United States of today or its values, but that's his position,Durbin said.At the end of the day, I suppose we can't expect anything more from a President who has denigrated our troops by calling them suckers' and losers'. I voted to support the Fiscal Year 2021 NDAA, and I'll support it again to override this President's unforgivable and reckless veto. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations. Durbin-led measures included in the FY21 NDAA are: Bill language expressing support for coordinated action to ensure the security of our Baltic allies Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Bill languagewelcoming Ukraine into NATO's Enhanced Opportunities Partnership Program. Bill language continuing support for the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Centerin North Chicago, Illinois. The Senate FY21 NDAA report also included two Durbin-led measures: Joint Munitions Command:Reportlanguage Durbin requested directing the Army to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-passage-climate-change-bills | Casten Statement on Passage of Climate Change Bills | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released a statement following the President signing H.R. 133, the fiscal year 2021 appropriations omnibus bill that included two important Casten-led bills to address climate change into law. Provisions from two bills introduced by Rep. Casten (D-IL) – the Clean Industrial Technology Act (CITA) and the Promoting Grid Storage Act (PGSA) were included in the omnibus package. Combined, the two bills authorize nearly $1.4 billion of spending on emission reduction and clean energy research and development over the next five years. Casten said, "The climate crisis is one of the defining challenges of our time. While research and development efforts alone will not be sufficient to tackle the climate crisis, they are a necessary component as we look to decarbonize the hard-to-decarbonize sectors of our economy and utilize energy storage to support the decarbonization of our electric grid. Expanding access to clean energy via these research and development programs will lower emissions, enhance our nation's energy security, and bolster our economy. I'm proud that these bipartisan bills are signed into law and I will continue to work with my colleagues to pass additional bills to combat climate change." CITA authorizes $500 million over five years for the Department of Energy (DoE) to establish a research, development, demonstration, and commercial application program for technologies that reduce industrial emissions, such as chemical or cement production. It also creates a technical assistance program, meant to assist entities in promoting the commercial application of industrial emissions reduction technologies. Grid storage provisions in the package from PGSA provided for $500 million of authorizations over five years for the DoE to create and research and development program to advance energy storage technologies. The package also authorizes $355 million over five years to fund demonstration projects for energy storage systems. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/castens-graduate-act-becomes-law | Casten's GRADUATE Act Becomes Law | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sean Casten's (IL-06) released the following statement after the President signed Casten's GRADUATE Act into law as part of the year-end government spending and coronavirus relief bill. The GRADUATE Act (Giving Resources and Dollars to Undergraduates for Adequate Time for Education Act) eliminates the restriction that students can only take out federally subsidized student loans over three years for an Associate's Degree or six years for a Bachelor's Degree, while maintaining the overall cap on borrowing to prevent students from taking on too much debt. This added flexibility would enable students who encounter obstacles in their education, like needing to withdraw for a semester or transfer, to complete their degrees. "I'm thrilled to see my colleagues on both sides of the aisle come together to support non-traditional college students and pass the GRADUATE Act into law," said Rep. Casten. "This law will give countless students the financial support and flexibility they need to walk across the stage at graduation and build a better life for their family." The bill was endorsed by the National Education Association, the American Federation of Teachers, the University of Illinois system, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, the Higher Education Loan Coalition, the Association of American Colleges and Universities, and the HBCU Collective. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-house-passing-2000-direct-assistance-veto-override-ndaa | Schneider Statement on House Passing $2000 Direct Assistance, Veto Override on NDAA | 2020-12-28 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued the below statement following the House of Representatives voting to pass the CASH Act and to override the President's veto of the National Defense Authorization Act: "The House of Representatives passing the CASH Act tonight moves forward economic relief for struggling American families that should have been passed and sent out months ago. And the veto override shows that the NDAA, which has passed with bipartisan support and the President's signature every year for 59 years, will this year have to become law without the President's name attached. "The fate of both these bills now lies with Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, who will decide first if he is willing to help struggling Americans and drive our economic recovery from Covid, and second if he is committed to funding America's troops. "Because of Senate intransigence, the compromise Covid relief bill the President signed into law fell short when it came to getting desperately needed support directly to Americans. Today's CASH Act will lend a hand to those who have been hammered by this pandemic by raising direct checks from $600 to $2000. It's a morally necessary step that I hope we will build upon in the next Congress. "Today's vote of 322-87 to override the President's veto of the NDAA was an overwhelming statement of support for those keeping us safe at home and abroad – both this holiday season and throughout the year. It was reckless when the President chose to veto this bill, which has passed the House every year for the last 59 years, and I'm thrilled that we have been able to reverse that decision. This year's defense authorization bill provides our nation's service members with the resources they need to succeed and upholds the values of our nation with investments in supporting veterans transitioning home and fighting domestic terror." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-trump-signing-bipartisan-coronavirus-relief-bill | Schneider Statement on Trump Signing Bipartisan Coronavirus Relief Bill | 2020-12-27 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | DEERFIELD, IL — Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) issued the following statement after the President signed the bipartisan coronavirus relief bill: "I am grateful the President has finally decided to sign the bipartisan Covid relief package. It's an essential compromise bill that, though short of what's ultimately needed, provides a down payment on the fight to defeat the virus, provide support for struggling Americans, and move our economy towards recovery and renewal. "Because of Senate intransigence, the compromise bill falls short in many aspects — the direct payment checks will only be $600 and it fails entirely to address state and local budgets that are struggling to employ our first responders and those on the front line of the fight against this virus. I look forward to addressing these concerns in upcoming legislation, and I hope that my Republican colleagues will join me tomorrow in voting to increase the check size to $2,000. "I also know that the incoming Biden Administration will address this pandemic with the seriousness it deserves and help provide the further relief we need. I see hope that Congress has now showed it is able to work together to provide Americans the assistance they need, and to up the fight to end the pandemic. Let's put politics aside and start to heal our nation. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-casten-energy-storage-legislation-passes-congress | Foster, Casten Energy Storage Legislation Passes Congress | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - This week, Congress passed a coronavirus relief and omnibus package which included the Better Energy Storage Technology (BEST) Act introduced by Rep. Foster (D-IL) and Rep. Casten (D-IL). The legislation would authorize $50 million to support the creation of multiple public-private partnership projects to develop energy storage technology that is commercially viable and can support the electrical grid. Much of the most advanced work in battery storage technology is being led by Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. The BEST Act would direct the Secretary of Energy to establish aggressive "moonshot" goals to develop improved capacity and lower costs for grid-scale storage. While the Department of Energy has issued grants to promote better battery storage, funding has not been able to support the research needed for breakthroughs in technology capable of transforming the electrical grid. "Energy storage is one of the great frontiers in new technology that could transform our country's energy sector as we move to more environmentally sustainable energy models," Foster said. "This bipartisan measure will provide a boost for research into energy storage technology, like the work being done at Argonne National Lab in my District, that could be transformational for our country's electrical grid. Advancements in energy storage technology will be critical in our ability to fight climate change and America's scientific leadership will be vital for this effort. I am proud that the BEST Act was included in this package and will be sent to the President's desk. Casten said, "Expanding access to clean energy via advances in energy storage is fundamental to addressing climate change, enhancing our nation's energy security, and bolstering our economy. The transition to a low-carbon economy fueled by cheap, clean energy requires a commitment to research, demonstration, and deployment of new and improved energy storage systems. I'd also be remiss if I didn't thank Rep. Foster for his leadership on his Better… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-schakowsky-price-lee-meeks-castro-spanberger-and-sherman-spearhead-letter | Reps. Schakowsky, Price, Lee, Meeks, Castro, Spanberger, and Sherman Spearhead Letter to President-elect Biden with 150 Total Signers Urging Diplomatic Steps to Return Both Iran and U.S. to JCPOA | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), David Price (D-NC), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Joaquin Castro (D-TX), Abigail D. Spanberger (D-VA), and Brad Sherman (D-CA) sent a letter to President-elect Joseph R. Biden with a total of 150 signers expressing support for renewed diplomacy to halt and reverse Iran's nuclear program, to address other pressing issues, and to reduce the likelihood of violent regional conflict. The letter expresses support for both Iran and the U.S. returning to compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), also known as the Iran nuclear agreement. The seven members circulating the letter releasedthe following statement: One of the most pressing foreign policy challengesfacingthe incoming Biden administration will be halting and reversing Iran's nuclear program,which was left largely unconstrained after President Trump withdrew from theJCPOA.The Trump administration's incoherent and provocative policies toward Iran and our multilateral relationshipsonlyadvanced the Iranian nuclear program,failed to effectively address Iran's other malign behavior, and greatly increased the likelihood of violent confrontation and conflict. As Congressional leadersregardless of our support or opposition to the JCPOA in 2015 weareunited in our support for swiftly taking the necessary diplomatic steps to restore constraints on Iran's nuclear program and return both Iran and the United States to compliance with theJCPOAas a starting point for further negotiations. We are sending this letter to endorse President-elect Biden's call for diplomacy as the best path to halt and reverseIran's nuclear program, decrease tensions in the region, andfacilitate our nation'sreincorporation into the international community. The 150 signatories include the following Members of the U.S. House of Representatives: David Price, Barbara Lee, Jan Schakowsky, Gregory Meeks, Joaquin Castro, Abigail D. Spanberger, and Brad Sherman, Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., Pete Aguilar, Colin Allred, Cindy … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-blasts-commutation-medicaid-fraudster-s-sentence | Schakowsky Blasts Commutation of Medicaid Fraudster’s Sentence | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | EVANSTON Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Co-Chair of the House Democrats Task Force on Aging and Families, blasted President Trump for commuting the sentence of Philip Esformes who was convicted for what the Department of Justice called the largest single health care bribery and kickback scheme in American history: President Trump is truly showing us who he values with his slew of pardons and commutations as he unveils the contempt he has for the rule of law. Philip Esformes stole from taxpayers, raking in $1.3 billion in revenues from Medicaid and Medicare. Today's commutation of Esformes is an insult to the hard-working professionals who work in our nursing homes and provide care to our nation's seniors. It also diminishes the hard work that law enforcement officials did to bring this fraudster to justice. Esformes preyed on the Chicago and Miami communities, where he would bribe medical professionals while placing vulnerable residents in harmful situations. For example, he placed older nursing home residents with younger patients who had mental illnesses. These situations led to residents being attacked and beaten to death, while Esformes paid off government regulators to look the other way. He allowed substance-addicted patients to wander in the streets while he collected government payments for services and treatment he was supposed to be providing them. He violated the trust of Medicaid and Medicare in untold proportions, in a way that sews distrust in an industry vital to the health and safety of our nation's seniors and others. I have fought for years to bring reforms to the nursing home industry, to protect our nation's most vulnerable residents and to prevent the kind of scams and fraud perpetrated by Mr. Esformes. I will continue to work with my colleagues to prevent these kinds of situations and to protect the integrity of programs like Medicaid and Medicare. #### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-hosts-town-hall-coronavirus-relief-package-and-federal-funding | Underwood Hosts Town Hall on Coronavirus Relief Package and Federal Funding Legislation | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | December 23, 2020 The legislation delivers urgently needed relief to support small businesses, accelerate COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and deliver direct payments to Illinoisans WEST CHICAGO— Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) hosted a Facebook Live Town Hall on the coronavirus relief and federal funding package that passed the house Monday evening. During the town hall, Underwood discussed the legislation and shared how it will help northern Illinois communities. The legislation includes critical wins that Underwood has fought for to deliver urgently needed relief to support small businesses, accelerate COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and deliver direct payments to Illinoisans. "It's been an incredibly tough year for Illinois communities, and we have all been tested by this pandemic. This much-needed bipartisan legislation will deliver emergency coronavirus relief and a fund our federal government to help save the lives and livelihoods of the American people," said Underwood. "I will continue to fight for more financial relief until our economy has fully recovered from the pandemic." A full video of Underwood's town hall can be found here. A one-pager of the legislation can be found here. Underwood priorities for the 14th District in the coronavirus relief legislation includes: Accelerating the Vaccine Distribution– We know that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The legislation will accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines so Illinoisans can get access to a vaccine as soon as possible. It also implements a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions to support our heroic health care workers and providers. Delivering Money Directly to the American People – The legislation provides another round of direct relief payments worth up to $600 per adult and $600 per child. For Illinoisans who have been unemployed during this time: We averted the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits, added a $300 per week Unemp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/video-underwood-hosts-town-hall-coronavirus-relief-package-and-federal-funding | Underwood Hosts Town Hall on Coronavirus Relief Package and Federal Funding Legislation | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | legacy | WEST CHICAGO Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) hosted a Facebook Live Town Hall on the coronavirus relief and federal funding package that passed the house Monday evening. During the town hall, Underwood discussed the legislation and shared how it will help northern Illinois communities. The legislation includes critical wins that Underwood has fought for to deliver urgently needed relief to support small businesses, accelerate COVID-19 vaccine distribution, and deliver direct payments to Illinoisans. "It's been an incredibly tough year for Illinois communities, and we have all been tested by this pandemic. This much-needed bipartisan legislation will deliver emergency coronavirus relief and a fund our federal government to help save the lives and livelihoods of the American people, said Underwood. I will continue to fight for more financial relief until our economy has fully recovered from the pandemic." A full video of Underwood's town hall can be found here. A one-pager of the legislation can be found here. Underwood priorities for the 14th District in the coronavirus relief legislation includes: Accelerating the Vaccine Distribution We know that we cannot get our economy working unless we can get the coronavirus under control. The legislation will accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines so Illinoisans can get access to a vaccine as soon as possible. It also implements a strong national testing and tracing strategy with billions to support our heroic health care workers and providers. Delivering Money Directly to the American People The legislation provides another round of direct relief payments worth up to $600 per adult and $600 per child. For Illinoisans who have been unemployed during this time: We averted the sudden expiration of Unemployment Insurance benefits, added a $300 per week Unemployment Insurance enhancement from December 26 through March 14, and lengthened the number of weeks an unemployed worker can receive benefits by 11 weeks. The law also ensures self-employe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-thanks-health-care-heroes-for-their-works-and-sacrifices-in-2020 | Durbin Thanks Health Care Heroes for Their Works and Sacrifices in 2020 | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.20 Durbin Thanks Health Care Heroes for Their Works and Sacrifices in 2020 SPRINGFIELD U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today in a Facebook video message thanked health care heroes, medical researchers, and essential workers for their sacrifices and hard work keeping America safe this year. This has been an unrelenting, draining, and scary time for many, many months. But your resilience and commitment to others has been a beacon of light during this crisis,Durbin said.A hundred years from now, when people tell the story of this pandemic, you will be the heroes of this story. And that's exactly as it should be. Happy holidays. Video of Durbin's remarks is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks is availableherefor TV Stations. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-warren-booker-colleagues-request-investigation-of-trump-administrations-unprecedented-spree-of-federal-executions | Durbin, Warren, Booker, Colleagues Request Investigation of Trump Administration's Unprecedented Spree of Federal Executions | 2020-12-23 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.20 Durbin, Warren, Booker, Colleagues Request Investigation of Trump Administration's Unprecedented Spree of Federal Executions WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, joined Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), and Sherrod Brown (D-OH) in a letter to Michael E. Horowitz, Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), seeking an investigation of the frenzied and unprecedented spree of federal executions during [President Trump's] lame-duck period. In July 2020, the Trump Administrationendeda 17-year hiatus on federal executions when it executed Daniel Lewis Lee, and followed that with six more executions between July 16, 2020, and September 24, 2020. Since his defeat at the polls in the November 2020 election, President Trump and political appointees at the DOJ haveramped upthe pace of executions during the lame duck period of his presidency, with executions of Orlando Hall on November 19, 2020; Brandon Bernard on December 10, 2020; and Alfred Bourgeois on December 11, 2020. Three more executionsare scheduledmere days before the end of President Trump's term in January 2021, including Lisa Montgomery, who would be the first woman to be put to death by the federal government in 67 years." This spree of executions marks a break with both modern history and decades-old practice. Prior to the Trump Administration's revival of federal executions, the federal governmenthad not executeda federal prisoner since 2003 and has only executed three people in the previous 50 years. And the executions that have and are scheduled to occur after November 3, 2020 are the first executions under a lame duck' president in over 100 years,' and comedespite the factthat President-elect Joe Biden has said he intends to end the use of capital punishment by the federal government while in office,'wrote the Senators. The reversal of long-standing DOJ policie… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402565 | Kinzinger Touts Big Wins for the American People in Year-End COVID Relief Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | After voting in favor of the year-end stimulus package, H.R. 133 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement. share: f t Washington, DC After voting in favor of the year-end stimulus package, H.R. 133 Consolidated Appropriations Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement touting the many wins included for the American people: Once again, the American people have been caught in the middle of a political standoff. Still, I'm glad to see so many Republican priorities included in this funding package, and relieved that our Democrat colleagues finally decided to negotiate in good faith on a COVID-19 relief package that we could get passed through Congress and on to the President's desk. Despite this package being long overdue, I was proud to vote in its favor because of the many provisions that will positively impact the American people facing the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding measure includes many bipartisan wins that take important steps to help provide COVID-19 relief through funding for vaccines, PPP loans, unemployment insurance, and $13 billion to support the agriculture sector, among other provisions. The package also includes spending bills that will protect our energy sector, our environment, our national security and cyber defenses, and our consumers. Several of my own bills have been included in this package like measures increase energy efficiency in the public and private sectors, and provisions to secure our telecom and information networks and their supply chains from foreign threats. The funding package also expands the telehealth grant program authorized under the CARES Act, ends the egregious practice of surprise billing, and funds community health centers (CHCs), and includes many other reforms to protect patients and taxpayers. A few of the different legislations sponsored by Congressman Kinzinger that has been include… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-votes-covid-relief-measurers-and-comprehensive-funding-package | Schakowsky Votes For COVID Relief Measures and Comprehensive Funding Package | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON On Monday, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, voted for legislation to provide relief to families and small businesses struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation passed also includes comprehensive funding language to keep the federal government in operation through the 2021 fiscal year. Several key pieces of legislation, including some consumer protection priorities ushered through the House by Schakowsky's Subcommittee, were included in the final bill of the 116th Congress. One thing is clear; the pandemic relief portions of this legislation do not do enough for the families and small businesses struggling to survive this crisis. Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats fought hard for more, from passing two relief packages since May that Senate Republicans ignored, to the negotiations for this legislation that is now on its way to the President's desk, said Congresswoman Schakowsky. This legislation will provide $600 survival checks to individuals, $2400 to families of four, $300 weekly unemployment benefits through March, relief programs that focus on the smallest of small businesses, and a grant program for independent live entertainment venues and cultural institutions hardest hit by this crisis. The COVID-19 relief components of the legislation secured critical lifelines for the American people, including: $600 stimulus checks per individual, $1200 for couples, and $600 for each child, up to two; Allows mixed immigration status families to receive these economic impact payments, which is retroactive to the first payment from the CARES Act; $300 a week in unemployment benefits, through March, and increases the total amount of weeks individuals are eligible for benefits from 39 to 50; Allows states to waive overpayment reimbursements made without fault of the individual; enhanced SNAP benefits to combat the hunger crisis; funding and policy changes to help small businesses, focusing on smal… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-leads-community-sending-digital-holiday-greetings-over-120-local | Underwood Leads Community in Sending Digital Holiday Greetings to over 120 Local Organizations serving on the Frontlines of Pandemic | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WEST CHICAGO— Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) sent holiday cards to local heroes in the form of digital notes, drawings, videos, and photos to essential workers keeping Illinois safe during the coronavirus pandemic. Underwood collected 136 holiday cards from residents across the 14th District of Illinois. Underwood partnered with community stakeholders throughout the district to distribute the digital thank you messages to over 120 organizations working in and around the 14th Congressional district. "One thing I love about this community is that our neighbors really show up for one another. It's been an exhausting year, and on top of transitioning to remote learning and work while doing all we can to keep our families healthy, that people would take time to answer the call for holiday cards for our local heroes makes me so proud," said Underwood. "These heroes deserve all of our thanks for the sacrifices they have made this year, and I'm so glad we could put a smile on a few faces with this small act of gratitude." "Now, this is pretty amazing! Thanks so much for sharing this with us, and thank you for taking the time to gather messages and cards from the great people of the 14th District of Illinois. I am honored to share this with our team here at the Lindenhurst Police Department. Please share our gratitude with Congresswoman Underwood," said Chief Thomas Jones of Lindenhurst Police Department. Photos of holiday cards can be found here. For additional information, or if your organization would like to receive a copy of the notes, please call Congresswoman Underwood's Office at (630) 549-2190. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-bustos-secure-millions-for-improvements-at-rock-island-arsenal | Duckworth, Durbin, Bustos Secure Millions for Improvements at Rock Island Arsenal | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2020 Duckworth, Durbin, Bustos Secure Millions for Improvements at Rock Island Arsenal [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), today announced that $120 million in funding for the Rock Island Arsenal (RIA) was included in the bipartisan funding agreement that passed the House and Senate and will be signed into law. This funding will provide the Army with necessary mobile maintenance capacity and boost manufacturing capability at RIA. It will be split with AM General, an automotive manufacturer that builds military and commercial vehicles. Rock Island Arsenal plays an important role in our national security and I'm pleased that this bipartisan agreement provides funding that will support jobs, manufacturing and the modernization of military equipment, said Duckworth. I'll keep working with Senator Durbin and Congresswoman Bustos to ensure the long term success of the Rock Island Arsenal. These funds will provide additional work at the Rock Island Arsenal, ensuring Humvees have the maintenance shelters they require. I was proud to work with Senator Duckworth and Representative Bustos to secure this federal funding that supports the men and women at the Arsenal, Durbin said. The Rock Island Arsenal has long played a key role in our nation's defense efforts, and in the wake of the pandemic has become even more critical to our region, said Congresswoman Bustos, a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense. I was proud to work with Senators Durbin and Duckworth to help secure this funding to ensure the important work converting Humvees for use in the field continues. This money will make sure the Rock Island Arsenal has the resources it needs. Earlier this year, Duckworth, Durbin and Bustos joined U.S. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy to tour the Advanced Manufacturing Center of Excellence at the Rock Island Arsenal's Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center to discuss its efforts t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-highlight-illinois-priorities-included-in-major-water-infrastructure-bill-now-heading-to-presidents-desk | Duckworth, Durbin Highlight Illinois Priorities Included in Major Water Infrastructure Bill Now Heading to President’s Desk | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2020 Duckworth, Durbin Highlight Illinois Priorities Included in Major Water Infrastructure Bill Now Heading to President's Desk [WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works (EPW) as well as Ranking Member on EPW's Fisheries, Wildlife and Water Subcommittee, and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) applauded the inclusion of several key priorities that will help Illinois in the Water Resources and Development Act (WRDA) 2020 Reauthorization, which passed the Senate yesterday as part of the omnibus agreement and now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. The legislation will help enhance protections for Chicago shorelines, advance Illinois lock and dam modernization projects, increase funding for Great Lakes port and harbor projects, safeguard the Great Lakes from the scourge of Asian Carp and advance critical improvement projects along Chicago-related waterways in addition to including $65 million to modernize degraded bump stations in flood-prone communities along the Mississippi River. This legislation includes many provisions I fought for to strengthen our state's economy and public health while creating good-paying jobs, said Duckworth. This bill will help enhance our improve flood protections, safeguard our environment, modernize our inland waterways and protect the Great the Lakes. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Durbin and my colleagues in the Senate to send this important legislationand the Illinois-focused provisions in itto the President's desk. Improving Illinois' waterways infrastructure is critical in keeping our state competitive economically and supporting communities, Durbin said. This year's bill funds several key projects, including protection for Lake Michigan, prevention against the spread of Asian Carp, lock and dam modernization, flood control, and support for the Army Corps of Engineers. I was proud to work with Senator Duckworth to secure this funding that will b… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-touts-provisions-and-initiatives-included-in-bipartisan-covid-19-relief-deal-and-omnibus-agreement | Duckworth Touts Provisions and Initiatives Included in Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Deal and Omnibus Agreement | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2020 Duckworth Touts Provisions and Initiatives Included in Bipartisan COVID-19 Relief Deal and Omnibus Agreement [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal and agreement to fund the United States Government through the end of the fiscal year: This bipartisan government funding legislation is far from perfect, but good governance requires compromise and leadership. There are obviously things I wish had been included, like funding for local governments to support first responders and additional assistance for struggling small businesses and restaurant operators. Nonetheless, I'm proud this bill includes new funding I helped secure for early childhood education, small businesses and food assistance programs, as well as provisions that will support working families, our servicemembers and our environment. Below is a list of Duckworth-supported initiatives included in the funding bill: The Relief for Working Families Act: this Duckworth-led legislative fix will authorize states to waive Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) payments that were improperly provided to residents who acted in good faith and played no role in securing the surplus PUA overpayment. Enhancements to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program: Duckworth-led proposals to strengthen the SBA Microloan Program by providing $57 million for the SBA Microloan Program to help participants with technical assistance and leveraging approximately $64 million in SBA Microloans to support minority-owned small businesses and other underserved small business interests. Fix to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) at Senior Living Facilities (SLF): this Duckworth and Durbin-led provision will block the Trump administration's harmful effort to eliminate Illinois SLF participation in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's SNAP, enabling the more than 150 Illinois SLFs to continue serving as SNAP provi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-urges-incoming-biden-administration-to-cover-costs-of-national-guard-troops-activated-to-respond-to-covid-19 | Duckworth Urges Incoming Biden Administration to Cover Costs of National Guard Troops Activated to Respond to COVID-19 | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 22, 2020 Duckworth Urges Incoming Biden Administration to Cover Costs of National Guard Troops Activated to Respond to COVID-19 [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today wrote to President-elect Joe Biden requesting the incoming administration takes immediate and urgent action to authorize 100 percent federal cost-share for all Title 32 activations of National Guard troops responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. In part, Duckworth wrote: Issuing such an order on day one of the Biden-Harris administration would be welcomed by Governors across our country and send a strong message that our Nation is once again being led by a President of the United States who understands that a national emergency requires a fully- and predictably-funded national response. In May, Duckworth introduced the National Guard COVID-19 Response Stability Act to ensure that all National Guard troops activated in response to the pandemic receive additional benefits and provide states with greater certainty. Durbin is a cosponsor of the legislation. Duckworth has sent multiple letters to the administration about this issue, most recently leading the Illinois Congressional delegation in calling on President Trump to support Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's request to extend Title 32 authorization for National Guard servicemembers. Duckworth joined her colleagues to announce plans to introduce a bill to restore full federal funding for the National Guard's efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. A full copy of the letter is available below and here. Dear President-Elect Biden: I commend the leadership of the Biden-Harris Transition in preparing to take office and strengthen our Nation's response to the deadly coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic that has tragically killed more than 315,000 Americans. To support this effort, I respectfully request that shortly after you are sworn in to become our Nation's 46th Commander in Chief, you take decisive action to establ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-spending-bill-with-illinois-priorities-secured-by-durbin | Congress Passes Bipartisan Spending Bill with Illinois Priorities Secured by Durbin | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Congress Passes Bipartisan Spending Bill with Illinois Priorities Secured by Durbin WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 appropriations bill. This bill makes critical investments in Illinois' public health, housing, transportation infrastructure, defense installations, environment, education, and security. America desperately needed a budget heading into 2021 as we continue to grapple with this pandemic and the crises it has caused. After much delay, I'm glad that Congress was able to come together on a bipartisan basis to pass this bill, which will benefit families and workers in Illinois. These funding bills include the following priorities for Illinois: Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Medical Research: Increases funding for medical research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $1.25 billion, for a total funding level of $42.9 billion in fiscal year 2021. Over the past six years, Durbin has led the bipartisan Congressional effort to increase funding for the NIH by $12.6B, or 42 percent. Last fiscal year, Illinois universities, laboratories, and research organizations received $1.1 billion in federal NIH funding. Community Health Centers (CHCs):$11.134 billion in new mandatory funding for CHCs for the next three years, including to support their efforts to address health disparities and tackle the COVID-19 pandemic in communities of color and underserved urban and rural areas. In Illinois, there are 51 CHCs that serve 1.4 million people in the state each year. National Health Service Corps (NHSC):$862 million in new mandatory funding for the National Health Service Corps scholarship and loan repayment programs to recruit doctors, nurses, and other clinicians to communities with health care shortages. In Illinois, 625 health care professionals serve in the NHSC to provide care in unders… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-applauds-senate-passage-of-bill-to-study-possible-national-park-for-julius-rosenwald | Durbin Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Study Possible National Park for Julius Rosenwald | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Durbin Applauds Senate Passage of Bill to Study Possible National Park for Julius Rosenwald WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today applauded unanimous Senate passage of a bill that honors Julius Rosenwaldthe former part-owner of Sears, Roebuck and Companyfor his work in establishing Rosenwald Schools to promote African American education in the rural South. TheJulius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Study Actwould require the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resources study of the sites associated with the life and legacy of Julius Rosenwald to determine the best ways to commemorate this incredible part of American history focusing on his efforts to promote African American education. The House version of the bill, introduced by U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (D-IL-07), passed earlier this year. The legislation now heads to the President's desk for signature. Julius Rosenwald was a Springfield native and influential in building and establishing schools in African American communities throughout the South. His commitment to African American education forever changed the lives of many across the rural south, which is why I introduced a bill to issue a study from the Department of Interior for a possible national historic park designation. I'm glad the Senate unanimously agreed to honor Rosenwald's legacy and I look forward to this bill being signed into law and the recommendations from the Department's study,Durbin said. In the early 20th century, Rosenwald worked with the Tuskegee Institute on a pilot program to build six schools in rural Alabama for African American children who were receiving little to no education. The program expanded and eventually led to the construction of more than 5,300 Rosenwald Schools and related buildings in fifteen states (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia). The schools were constructed and maintained through… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-votes-for-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-legislation | Durbin Votes for Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Legislation | 2020-12-22 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.20 Durbin Votes for Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Legislation WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after voting for the $900 billion, bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief legislation that includes funding for unemployment insurance, small businesses, vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing, health care providers, housing and education assistance, direct checks for American families, and more: Last week, a group of Democrats and Republicansincluding myselfcame together and introduced compromise emergency relief legislation in the areas where we could agree. This package did not include everything I think we needed. But after eight months of inaction, it served as the catalyst to move much-needed bipartisan COVID-19 relief forward to help American families and small businesses. Like all compromises, this bill is not perfect. I'm disappointed that we weren't able to agree on including much-needed funding for states and localities in this package. I want to be clear: I'm not giving up on funding for states and localities. This funding is essential in our fight against the pandemic and for our economic recovery. However, this legislation includes many important provisions including extending crucial unemployment benefits for hundreds of thousands of Illinoisans; offering a lifeline to struggling small businesses and nonprofits; providing direct checks to millions of American families; and providing funding for vaccine distribution, nutrition assistance, rental assistance, our hospitals and health care clinics, schools and universities, transit systems, and more. As we continue to face this unprecedented public health crisis, I believe that more funding will be needed. But this emergency relief will help us weather a tough winter ahead and should be signed by President Trump without delay. This bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief legislation includes the following priorities for Illinois: Working Families Provides enhance… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/2020/12/bost-votes-covid-19-relief-bill | BOST VOTES FOR COVID-19 RELIEF BILL | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | bost | https://bost.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted in support of end-of-year government funding and COVID-19 relief legislation to provide working Americans, small businesses, and frontline workers relief from the COVID-19 pandemic. The bipartisan and bicameral bill includes funding for the Paycheck Protection Program, vaccine and testing funding, and $600 direct payments for adults and dependents. “Had Speaker Pelosi put the needs of the American public above her own partisan agenda, we could have saved countless jobs and businesses months ago,” said Bost. “While it shouldn’t have taken until the 11th hour, I am thankful that help is on the way. Hardworking Southern Illinois families, healthcare and frontline workers, and small businesses, through no fault of their own, have been devastated by COVID-19 shutdowns. This legislation will provide desperately needed relief to millions of Americans this holiday season and, combined with the successes of Operation Warp Speed, gives us hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel.” Important Provisions in the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal Makes updates to the Paycheck Protection Program to allow businesses to apply for a second PPP loan, allow churches and faith-based organizations to apply for loans, and allow businesses to utilize PPP funds in addition to standard business tax deductions Includes $20 billion of funding to ensure Americans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost to them, $8 billion for vaccine distribution, and $20 billion for continued testing efforts. $600 stimulus checks for adults and dependents Extends unemployment benefits by an additional $300 per week for 10 weeks $10 billion for childcare centers and $82 billion for schools to help them safely reopen for in-person learning $13 billion for farmers and producers impacted by COVID-19, including funding for the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program $7 billion for broadband funding $4 billion for substance abuse programs ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-passage-covid-relief-package-omnibus-spending-bill | Casten Statement on Passage of COVID Relief Package, Omnibus Spending Bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) voted for H.R. 133, the more than $2.3 trillion fiscal year 2021 appropriations omnibus and emergency coronavirus relief bill. Casten said, "For over eight months, I've fought alongside my Democratic colleagues in the House for COVID-19 relief sufficient to get the virus under control and ensure struggling Americans can stay afloat. I'm pleased we passed a bipartisan bill that includes urgent, necessary funding for our small businesses, vaccine distribution, child care, direct payments to help our families, and unemployed Americans. While this is a step in the right direction, I'm disappointed that funding for our state and local governments was not included in the package. Next Congress, I will continue to fight to give people the support they need until the pandemic and economic crisis are fully behind us." The fiscal year (FY) 2021 appropriations bill expands access to housing, tackles food insecurity, funds local preparedness grants and gun violence research to keep our communities safe, and expands internet access for rural communities. Casten, a leader on climate change, is pleased the legislation provides significant funding to protect the environment and combat climate change. Specifically, it provides $2.86 billion for DOE Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy ($72 million above FY 2020); $427 million for ARPA-E to support the development of clean, affordable, and secure energy ($2 million above FY 2020); $7.026 billion for DOE's Office of Science to support energy innovation for the future ($26 million above FY 2020); and $182 million for NOAA Climate Research ($12.5 million above FY 2020). The FY21 Appropriations Bill provides: $16.5 billion for Education for the Disadvantaged Grants to Local Educational Agencies and $12.9 billion for IDEA Special Education Grants to States. Expands access to housing, providing $43.4 million in new targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness among families with children, individuals, the unsheltered,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-receiving-covid-19-vaccine | Casten Statement on Receiving COVID-19 Vaccine | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) issued the following statement about receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine: "As a nation, we are fortunate to have a vaccine that is safe and proven. We are also fortunate to have a public health system that has developed a robust protocol for national vaccine and I'm particularly thankful the first round of vaccines continue to be distributed to our frontline health care workers who have worked tirelessly to combat this virus. "Last week I received the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on the advice of public health officials who determined that both as a public health matter and to ensure continuity of government, all members of the House and Senate should be vaccinated in this first phase. "I am pleased to be able to help slow, and ultimately stop the spread of this disease. And in the meantime, we all must continue to maintain social distancing and masking wearing protocols. "Whether you are a frontline worker, a young high school student, a remote IT employee, or a senior in a nursing home, I urge you to make sure that you get vaccinated as soon as you are eligible. "The light is now visible at the end of the tunnel, but we must remain vigilant until we are all the way through. We can beat this, but only if we work together." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chuy-garc-votes-covid-relief-government-funding-and-against-border | Congressman Chuy García Votes for COVID Relief, Government Funding, and Against Border Wall and Bloated Defense Spending | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Today the House voted on a year-end agreement consisting of two legislative packages to fund the government through 2021 and provide additional COVID-19 relief. Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04)voted for Part II of H.R. 133, which funds domestic programs that include healthcare, environmental protections, roads and public transportation, workforce development, affordable housing, and over $900 billion in additional COVID-19 relief. The Congressman voted against Part I of H.R. 133, which funds the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as the Department of Justice, Commerce, and scientific agencies. Congressman Garca issued the following statement: I voted for the bipartisan COVID-19 rescue bill to provide working families in the Chicagoland area the financial assistance they, and millions of Americans, desperately need. Ensuring we implement the most robust response to crush the coronavirus remains my top priority and this bill provides over $900 billion to that end. "Thousands of families face evictions, layoffs, and the ongoing risk of contracting the virus, especially frontline, essential workers of whom many are Latino, Black, or working class. Small business owners face a dark winter as new restrictions limit operations and employers struggle to pay the bills and keep their employees on payroll. For thousands more, there will be empty seats at the dinner table and grief for those who have lost loved ones. "Though this relief package is too little, too late, the bill was significantly improved during negotiations and contains specific provisions I fought hard to include: To provide direct assistance to struggling families, $600 survival checks for each adult and child were added; To provide assistance to mixed-status families, survival checks were made available to eligible spouses and children, and a retroactive provision was added enabling them to receive stimulus checks they were… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-chuy-garcia-s-co-alerts-act-passes-house | Congressman Chuy Garcia’s CO ALERTS Act Passes House | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Today the House passed Congressman Jess Chuy Garca's (IL-04) Carbon Monoxide Alarms Leading Every Resident To Safety (CO Alerts) Act as part of an omnibus funding package. The CO ALERTS Act, formerly known as the Safe Housing for Families Act, protects residents of public and subsidized housing from carbon monoxide poisoning by providing funds for the installation of carbon monoxide detectors in each unit of affordable housing. The funding package is expected to pass the Senate and be signed into law soon. An investigation by NBC News last year found that at least 13 residents of public housing have died of carbon monoxide poisoning since 2003, and the CO Alerts Act authorizes $304 million over the next three years to install carbon monoxide detectors in subsidized housing. Covered housing units include public housing as well as units covered by subsidized housing programs including tenant-based assistance, project-based assistance, supportive housing for the elderly, supportive housing for persons with disabilities, housing opportunities for persons with AIDS and rural housing. Carbon monoxide poisoning is preventable, and the solution is inexpensive when it comes to saving lives. No family should worry about dying in their sleep, and the CO Alerts Act ensures families in affordable housing are safe from this silent killer, said Congressman Jess Chuy Garca. The government must take responsibility for the safety of working families in housing it provides and passage of this bill is a major step to provide safe housing for all families. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-davis-and-ranking-member-walorski-applaud-inclusion-foster-youth | CHAIRMAN DAVIS AND RANKING MEMBER WALORSKI APPLAUD THE INCLUSION OF FOSTER YOUTH GRANTS IN OMNIBUS RELIEF BILL | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | PRESS RELEASE Monday, December 21, 2020 CHAIRMAN DAVIS AND RANKING MEMBER WALORSKI APPLAUD THE INCLUSION OF THE SUPPORTINGFOSTER YOUTH & FAMILIES THROUGH THE PANDEMIC ACTIN THE OMNIBUS AND CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILL WASHINGTON, DC – Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackie Walorski (R-IN) of the House Committee on Ways & Means’ Subcommittee on Worker & Family Support applaud the inclusion of Supporting Foster Youth & Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947) in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. While the COVID-19 pandemic presents difficulties for all Americans, foster youth are particularly subject to instability given that they are typically without reliable adults and other supports in their lives. We know that nearly 20,000 youth “age out” of foster care each year, and youth who aged out of care during this national emergency have reported high rates of homelessness, food and economic insecurity, and are at risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus. As a direct response to the COVID-19 crisis, Chairman Davis and Ranking Member Walorski introduced the bipartisan H.R. 7947 to provide emergency temporary supports and flexibilities for older foster youth, grandparents raising grandchildren & other kinship families, home visiting for at-risk pregnant & parenting families, foster care prevention services, and other child welfare services through the end of FY 2021. Upon confirmation of inclusion in the legislative package, Chairman Davis said, “I am especially proud of this bipartisan legislation, which will provide the necessary emergency resources and supports that foster youth and families need to weather this storm. This bill was crafted in direct response to what foster youth in our communities have been telling us they need, right now, in order to be okay during the pandemic.” “This is a major victory for some of America’s most vulnerable children and families, who will have additional support to get through the coronavirus crisis and build a … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/chairman-davis-and-ranking-member-walorski-applaud-inclusion-supportingfoster | CHAIRMAN DAVIS AND RANKING MEMBER WALORSKI APPLAUD THE INCLUSION OF THE SUPPORTINGFOSTER YOUTH & FAMILIES THROUGH THE PANDEMIC ACT IN THE OMNIBUS AND CORONAVIRUS RELIEF BILL | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) and Subcommittee Ranking Member Jackie Walorski (R-IN) of the House Committee on Ways & Means’ Subcommittee on Worker & Family Support applaud the inclusion of Supporting Foster Youth & Families through the Pandemic Act (H.R. 7947) in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021. While the COVID-19 pandemic presents difficulties for all Americans, foster youth are particularly subject to instability given that they are typically without reliable adults and other supports in their lives. We know that nearly 20,000 youth “age out” of foster care each year, and youth who aged out of care during this national emergency have reported high rates of homelessness, food and economic insecurity, and are at risk of contracting and spreading the coronavirus. As a direct response to the COVID-19 crisis, Chairman Davis and Ranking Member Walorski introduced the bipartisan H.R. 7947 to provide emergency temporary supports and flexibilities for older foster youth, grandparents raising grandchildren & other kinship families, home visiting for at-risk pregnant & parenting families, foster care prevention services, and other child welfare services through the end of FY 2021. Upon confirmation of inclusion in the legislative package, Chairman Davis said, “I am especially proud of this bipartisan legislation, which will provide the necessary emergency resources and supports that foster youth and families need to weather this storm. This bill was crafted in direct response to what foster youth in our communities have been telling us they need, right now, in order to be okay during the pandemic.” “This is a major victory for some of America’s most vulnerable children and families, who will have additional support to get through the coronavirus crisis and build a stronger, more stable future,” Ranking Member Walorski said. “Foster youth and families, at-risk pregnant women and mothers, and kinship caregivers such as grandparents raising grandchildren already face unique challenges in normal t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-danny-k-davis-passage-final-appropriations-bill-and-pandemic | Statement of Rep. Danny K. Davis on Passage of Final Appropriations Bill and Pandemic Relief Legislation | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | DECEMBER 21, 2020 WASHINGTON, DC - I am pleased that the Congress was finally able to come to an agreement on these two major legislative matters. It is unfortunate that it has taken so long and I believe that the up to $600 per adult and child direct payments and $300 per week UI enhancement for Americans out of work is not adequate or sufficient to meet the needs of tens of millions of our people. It is my hope that when we return next year we can set about urgently remedying that deficiency. There were some important additional items included in the legislation including additional $16.5 billion appropriated for education for Disadvantaged Grants to local educational agencies, $43.4 million for targeted vouchers to reduce homelessness, full funding for WIC, child nutrition programs and SNAP, $82 billion in funding for colleges and schools, including support for HVAC repair and replacement to mitigate virus transmission and reopen classrooms, and $10 billion for child care assistance to help get parents back to work and keep child care providers open. I am also pleased many of the provisions I have sponsored this Congress were included like; $500 million for foster youth grants, $100 million for the Second Chance Act, Pell Grants for Prisoners, Community Health Center grants and an increase in above the line charitable deductions to name a few. The legislation includes important new protections holding patients harmless for surprise medical bills and extends critical public health programs, including Community Health Centers, National Health Service Corps, Teaching Health Centers, and Special Diabetes Programs. It expands the Pell Grant program by the largest amount in a decade, including making it easier for students to predict their eligibility and providing incarcerated students access to Pell Grants and discharges loans made to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) under the HBCU Capital Financing Loan program, providing $1.34 billion in relief. It continues crucial investments in green e… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-bipartisan-covid-relief-package | Foster Statement on Bipartisan COVID Relief Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the bipartisan COVID relief package introduced in the House: "I support this bipartisan package because it is a useful down payment that will provide additional economic relief for hardworking American families and small businesses struggling to make ends meet. It will also deliver critical resources needed to effectively deploy vaccines throughout the country. "Through this legislation we're providing billions of dollars to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of vaccines to as many Americans as possible as soon as possible so that we can save lives and defeat this virus. "In addition to extending enhanced unemployment insurance and providing more PPP funding to help keep small businesses afloat, this package includes several key measures that will offer immediate relief like rental assistance for families struggling to stay in their homes, direct economic impact payments of up to $600 per adult and child, nutrition assistance for hungry families, and tax credits to help support paid sick leave for workers. "This relief package isn't perfect, and it doesn't include relief for local governments and municipalities, like those in our District that have been on the front lines of this pandemic from day one. That's an issue that the new Congress must tackle in the weeks to come." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://lahood.house.gov/2020/12/rep-lahood-supports-covid-19-relief-bill | Rep. LaHood Supports COVID-19 Relief Bill | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | lahood | https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted this evening in favor of the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus and COVID Relief Bill. The bill includes approximately $900 billion in COVID-19 aid. After the vote, Rep. LaHood released the following statement: "As I traveled across the 18th Congressional District of Illinois in recent months, I heard from businesses on the brink of shutting down for good because of Governor Pritzker's state-mandated closures, workers who still cannot access Illinois' unemployment system, and health care workers who need additional support to care for COVID-19 patients. This bipartisan agreement includes important provisions to extend the Paycheck Protection Program, expand vaccine distribution, reopen our schools, and increase rural broadband access. No compromise is perfect, but this bipartisan bill will provide critical support to families, workers, small businesses, and our frontline health care heroes in Illinois. "I continue to hold real concerns about the massive amount of deficit spending we are piling up and Congress' yearly inability to work in regular order to fund our government. While Congress needs to act to provide COVID-19 relief, if we continue this spending pattern unchecked, the burden left on our children and their children will be unbearable. "As we head into the new year, the health and economic impact of COVID-19 will continue to present our nation with serious challenges. This bill will provide important relief to those in need and resources to support key programs in Illinois. It is essential that the Governor, the General Assembly, and local elected officials in Illinois also work swiftly to allow businesses to safely reopen, get our kids back in the classroom, and alleviate the issues so many of my constituents continue to have with Illinois' unemployment system." Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus & COVID Relief Deal Key COVID-19 provisions in the legislation include: Extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and adds deductibility for PPP expense… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-covid-relief-and-government-funding-package | Quigley Statement on COVID Relief and Government Funding Package | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | 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), Chairman of the Appropriations Committee's Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed legislation to provide relief to American families amidst the ongoing COVID-19 and economic crises: "I'm glad that Senate Republicans finally stopped playing politics and worked with Speaker Pelosi and House Democrats to arrive at a reasonable compromise. Long-awaited relief for Americans is finally on the way. This may not be the robust package we had hoped for but it is absolutely necessary to provide aid for the American people now so that families and small businesses can keep food on their tables, employees on payrolls, and business doors open. "While I am deeply disappointed that the final bill does not include support for struggling state and local governments, we cannot let the perfect be the enemy of the good. My constituents simply cannot afford to wait for a perfect bill and, despite its flaws there, is much in this bill to be pleased about including stimulus checks, unemployment assistance, extending the eviction moratorium, helping small business by allowing another round of Paycheck Protection Program loans, and funding for the hardest-hit industries whose doors are still closed. "There is still more to be done. I strongly encourage President-elect Joe Biden to continue COVID relief negotiations after his inauguration and I strongly encourage him to prioritize state and local aid in that package. The past nine months have been devastating for local governments and we face catastrophic cuts without support. In the meantime, I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure Illinois and Chicago get the help they need. "As federal and state agencies begin the process of rolling out the next round of relief checks and business assistance, my offices and I stand ready to provide help to constituents navigating these processes." Included in the same package was Fiscal Year 21 go… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403948 | Rep. Davis Votes in Support of Additional COVID-19 Relief, Government Funding Legislation | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) voted in support of additional COVID-19 relief and government funding legislation. The legislation included an extension of PPP and pandemic unemployment benefits, funding for vaccine production and distribution, and other legislative priorities of Rep. Davis'. I'm glad that Speaker Pelosi finally relented on her multi-trillion-dollar liberal wish list and agreed to support bipartisan, targeted COVID-19 relief, said Rep. Davis. While I wish Congressional leaders could've come to an agreement on liability protections and additional support for local governments, this legislation provides vitally-needed support for small businesses, workers forced out of a job due to government orders, farmers, and many others who have been hurt by this pandemic. It also provides huge support for production and distribution of coronavirus vaccines, which will help us return to normal next year. In the weeks and months ahead, Congress must provide thorough oversight of these programs to ensure that they function as intended and provide Americans the support they need to get through these challenging times. Also included in the legislation were several provisions requested by Rep. Davis, including a 5-year extension of his student loan repayment plan and funding for the study required by law to have the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site added as a unit of the National Park System. I'm proud that legislation voted on tonight included several provisions we have been working on for years, continued Rep. Davis. A five-year extension of our Employer Participation in Repayment Act' will continue a public-private partnership to lower student debt responsibly. Our plan protects taxpayers while providing meaningful, tax-free student debt relief for workers. That should be the approach to tackle our nation's student debt crisis. This legislation also includes funding for the study required by law to have the 1908 Springfield Race Riot Site added as a Unit of the National Park System. T… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-pass-covid-19-relief-including-bipartisan-schneider-bills-improving | House to Pass COVID-19 Relief, Including Bipartisan Schneider Bills Improving Health Care | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— Today, the House of Representatives will pass the negotiated COVID-19 relief deal, initially framed and helped along by sustained efforts from the Problem Solvers Caucus, of which Schneider is a founding member. The bill will also include two bills led by Schneider, the BENES Act and the Medicare Sequester COVID Moratorium Act. Additionally, the bill includes Schneider's initiative to train 1000 additional doctors annually, based on language from his Opioid Workforce Act. "This package should have been delivered months ago and there's still much needed assistance missing from the final agreement. But right now, it's better to be late than to never pass a bill. Today, we will deliver funding to accelerate vaccine distribution, support small businesses, and provide rental assistance and $600 direct payment checks," said Brad Schneider. "I'm proud to be a part of the Problem Solvers Caucus, the bipartisan group that kept the negotiations alive and allowed us to get to this place. And I'm proud that my legislation supporting hospitals and streamlining Medicare enrollment will be included in the bill. Nevertheless, this agreement is only a down payment on what is needed to get our country back to healthy – physically and economically. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House, and the bicameral work of the Problem Solvers Caucus to make sure Congress remains focused on the needs of our communities, our health care system, our state and local governments and our nation as a whole in the new year." The spending package contains $900 billion in emergency coronavirus relief to protect the lives and livelihoods of the American people. Among its provisions, the bill provides: Billions in urgently need funds to accelerate the free and equitable distribution of safe vaccines to crush the virus; $13 billion in increased SNAP and child nutrition benefits to help relieve the COVID hunger crisis; A new round of direct payments worth up to $600 per adult and child; A $300 per week UI enhancement f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-s-legislation-support-veterans-stem-careers-passes-congress-heads | Underwood’s Legislation to Support Veterans in STEM Careers Passes in Congress; Heads to President to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON This week, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood's (IL-14) legislation to support veterans in STEM careers passedthe House of Representatives.TheVeterans in STEM Act(H.R. 6140) wouldexpandSTEM scholarships for clinical health training programs.The legislationpassed as a part of H.R 7105, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act, which will now head to President Trump to be signed into law. Our nation's veterans'service and experience uniquely qualifiesthem to work ininnovativeSTEM fields. That's why I've introduced the Veterans in STEM Act to provide newcareeropportunities to veteransandexpandtrainings in the health care sector that will helpstrengthenour economy in northern Illinois and across the county,said Underwood.I'm pleased to see mylegislationincluded in this historiclegislativepackage, andI urge President Trump to immediately signthis bill into law." In addition to Underwood's provision, theJohnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, also includesprovisions from the House passedDeborah Sampson Actto improve care for women veterans which Underwood stronglysupported, along withprovisions toexpand veteran benefits, provide assistance to homelessveterans,and support veterans impacted by COVID-19. Asection-by-section summary of H.R. 7105, theJohnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020,can be foundhere. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwoods-legislation-support-veterans-stem-careers-passes-congress-heads | Underwood’s Legislation to Support Veterans in STEM Careers Passes in Congress; Heads to President to be Signed into Law | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— This week, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood's (IL-14) legislation to support veterans in STEM careers passed the House of Representatives. The Veterans in STEM Act (H.R. 6140) would expand STEM scholarships for clinical health training programs. The legislation passed as a part of H.R 7105, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act, which will now head to President Trump to be signed into law. Our nation's veterans' service and experience uniquely qualifies them to work in innovative STEM fields. That's why I've introduced the Veterans in STEM Act to provide new career opportunities to veterans and expand trainings in the health care sector that will help strengthen our economy in northern Illinois and across the county," said Underwood. "I'm pleased to see my legislation included in this historic legislative package, and I urge President Trump to immediately sign this bill into law." In addition to Underwood's provision, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, also includes provisions from the House passed Deborah Sampson Act to improve care for women veterans which Underwood strongly supported, along with provisions to expand veteran benefits, provide assistance to homeless veterans, and support veterans impacted by COVID-19. A section-by-section summary of H.R. 7105, the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe, M.D. Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvement Act of 2020, can be found here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-omnibus-provision-protecting-food-access-for-8000-illinois-supportive-living-facility-residents | Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Omnibus Provision Protecting Food Access For 8,000 Illinois Supportive Living Facility Residents | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 21, 2020 Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Omnibus Provision Protecting Food Access For 8,000 Illinois Supportive Living Facility Residents WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today issued the following statements after they successfully secured a provision in the fiscal year 2021 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that will stop the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from terminating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for a group of supportive living facilities (SLFs) in Illinois that serve 8,000 low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. Without this provision from Duckworth and Durbin, USDA was set to kick these 8,000 individuals in Illinois off of the SNAP program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to a rigid and arbitrary new regulatory interpretation by USDA, and despite the Supportive Living Program serving vulnerable Illinoisans for decades with federal approval. This provision's inclusion is welcome news for thousands of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in Illinois who were at risk of losing access to nutritious meals in the middle of a deadly global pandemic,Duckworth said.I'm proud to have worked alongside Senator Durbin to prevent the Trump Administration from implementing their harmful effort that would have jeopardized effective community-based services and allowed vulnerable Illinoisans to go hungry this holiday season. The cruelty and senselessness of the Trump Administration's USDA reached new lows with their attempt to eliminate SNAP benefits, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, for 8,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities across Illinois. The Illinois Supportive Living Program has served our state well for more than two decades as an essential lifeline for those in need of a helping hand. I am pleased to have secured this provision, together with Senator Duckworth, to block this bureaucratic overreach and protect access to nutrition benefits for our neighbors, Dur… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-deal-funding-agreement | Duckworth Statement on Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Deal, Funding Agreement | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 21, 2020 Duckworth Statement on Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Deal, Funding Agreement [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement today about her support for the bipartisan COVID-19 relief deal, which will be attached to an agreement to fund the United States Government through the end of the fiscal year: For months, Mitch McConnell, Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans have blocked multiple attempts by Democrats to provide real, substantial relief to hard-working Americans who are struggling. And finally this week, we were able to come to a bipartisan compromise to provide some desperately needed relief to Americans and small businesseswhile also funding the government through the end of the fiscal year. However, it is not enough.I'm deeply disappointed that we aren't providing the large-scale relief dollars our teachers, firefighters and healthcare workers need, all because Republicans would rather fight for liability shields for corporations that would hurt workers and people with disabilities. We've lost more than 310,000 Americans to this deadly virus, and we simply can't wait a minute longer to send urgent relief to Illinoisans and people across this country. Although this proposal is far from perfect, when faced with the choice of accepting this deal or no relief at all, I will vote for it because it extends all pandemic unemployment benefits by 11 weeks, provides funding to prevent healthcare providers from closing, makes sure millions don't go hungry during the pandemic, protects Americans from getting evicted, increases funding for our schools, sends stimulus checks to those who need help and provides more resources for testing, contact tracing, PPE and vaccine distribution. There's still so much more we need to do to help working families, local governments and small businessesespecially independent restaurant operatorsweather this storm. And while states will have broad flexibility to spend funds on COVID-19 mitig… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-underwood-garca-kelly-receive-covid-19-vaccine-encourage-communities-of-color-to-receive-the-vaccine-when-it-is-available | Duckworth, Underwood, García, Kelly Receive COVID-19 Vaccine, Encourage Communities of Color to Receive the Vaccine When it is Available | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 21, 2020 Duckworth, Underwood, Garca, Kelly Receive COVID-19 Vaccine, Encourage Communities of Color to Receive the Vaccine When it is Available [WASHINGTON, DC] After receiving the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine over the weekend, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14), Jess ChuyGarca(D-IL-04) and Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) urged communities of color to receive the vaccine when it is available to them. The members also released a video discussing the importance of trusting the science and getting vaccinated. With full confidence in the science and at the direction of the Attending Physician of the Capitol for continuity of government operations requirements, I received my first dose of the Pfizer vaccination over the weekend, Duckworth said. I urge everyone in Illinois to get a COVID-19 vaccine when it is available to them, especially communities of color that have been dying at disproportionate rates from this virus and have understandable hesitations when it comes to trusting the safety of this vaccine and our medical system. I'll continue working alongside my colleagues to increase awareness of this safe, effective vaccine so that we can protect our fellow Americans and end this deadly pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccine is our best way to save lives and get the virus under control, said Underwood. Members of Congress were offered the vaccine under continuity of government protocol starting last week. I was vaccinated at that time. I know there is some reluctance to be vaccinated, but I'm encouraging everyone I know, including my parents and friends, to get the vaccine when it is available to them. Vaccines are safe and they work! Latino, Black, Indigenous, and Asian American communities suffer from the highest rates of coronavirus infections and deaths. It is critical we make sure our communities know the COVID vaccine is safe, effective, and will save lives, Garca said. Under the direction of the Capitol Physician I was vaccinated, an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-omnibus-provision-protecting-food-access-for-8000-illinois-supportive-living-facility-residents | Durbin, Duckworth Statement on Omnibus Provision Protecting Food Access for 8,000 Illinois Supportive Living Facility Residents | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Durbin, Duckworth Statement on Omnibus Provision Protecting Food Access for 8,000 Illinois Supportive Living Facility Residents WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today issued the following statements after they successfully secured a provision in the fiscal year 2021 Omnibus Appropriations Bill that will stop the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from terminating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for a group of supportive living facilities (SLFs) in Illinois that serve 8,000 low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities. Without this provision from Durbin and Duckworth, USDA was set to kick these 8,000 individuals in Illinois off of the SNAP program in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, due to a rigid and arbitrary new regulatory interpretation by USDA, and despite the Supportive Living Program serving vulnerable Illinoisans for decades with federal approval. The cruelty and senselessness of the Trump Administration's USDA reached new lows with their attempt to eliminate SNAP benefits, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, for 8,000 seniors and individuals with disabilities across Illinois. The Illinois Supportive Living Program has served our state well for more than two decades as an essential lifeline for those in need of a helping hand. I am pleased to have secured this provision, together with Senator Duckworth, to block this bureaucratic overreach and protect access to nutrition benefits for our neighbors,Durbin said. This provision's inclusion is welcome news for thousands of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in Illinois who were at risk of losing access to nutritious meals in the middle of a deadly global pandemic,Duckworth said.I'm proud to have worked alongside Senator Durbin to prevent the Trump Administration from implementing their harmful effort that would have jeopardized effective community-based services and allowed vulnerable Illinoisans to go hungry this holiday season. There … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-senators-call-on-department-of-interior-to-cancel-oil-and-gas-leases-across-public-lands-in-utah | Durbin, Senators Call on Department of Interior to Cancel Oil and Gas Leases Across Public Lands in Utah | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Durbin, Senators Call on Department of Interior to Cancel Oil and Gas Leases Across Public Lands in Utah WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Senators Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) called on U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) to cancel hundreds of oil and gas leases across Utah that threaten fragile landscapes and, if developed, will further exacerbate the impacts of climate change. In a letter to DOI Secretary David Bernhardt, the Senators cite how fossil fuel leasing and development on public lands managed by DOI is a primary contributor to climate change, accounting for nearly 24 percent of the nation's annual carbon dioxide emissions. Due to successful litigation and administrative appeals, the Utah-Bureau of Land Management has been forced to reconsider decisions on more than five hundred leases, covering more than 700,000 acres of public lands in Utah. We urge you to outright cancel these leases,the Senators wrote. The more than five hundred leases being reconsidered by the Bureau are located in some of the nation's most wild, scenic, and culturally rich areas. Hundreds of them encompass Bureau-identified lands with wilderness characteristics proposed for wilderness designation in S. 3056,America's Red Rock Wilderness Act. These oil leases threaten environmentally sensitive and culturally rich lands throughout Utah that Congress has worked to protect. Given the significance of these lands, we request that you cancel these leases,the Senators concluded. The full letter is availablehereand below: December 21, 2020 Dear Secretary Bernhardt: We are writing to call for the cancellation of hundreds of oil and gas leases across Utah that threaten our climate and, if developed, will further exacerbate the impacts of climate change. Due to successful litigation and administrative appeals, the Utah-Bureau of Land Management has been forced to reconsider deci… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shares-support-for-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-legislation | Durbin Shares Support for Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Legislation | 2020-12-21 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.20 Durbin Shares Support for Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Legislation WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke in support of the $900 billion bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief package that was announced last night. The compromise package was based off the $748 billion, bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief legislation that Durbin helped negotiate and introduce last week. The final package includes funding for unemployment insurance, small businesses, vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing, health care providers, housing and education assistance, direct checks for American families, and more. It was about four weeks ago when a Republican Senator and a Democratic Senator invited six of their colleagues for dinner. It was a bipartisan group for three or four weeks, we tried to write a relief bill. We did it by phone, by Zoom, and through staff work that was endless. And finally, Tuesday of last week, we were able to announce ita $748 billion consensus bill for relief much of which is included in this relief package which we're going to consider today,Durbin said. I want to thank my colleagues, Democrats and Republicans, for their patience and determination to reach this point. I really believe that we ended up opening the conversation. The Leaders, thanks goodness, moved in to follow on and make it a reality. And today, we are going to seriously consider a measure to keep America's economy moving and to give us a fighting chance against the coronavirus. Durbin continued,We have more work to be done. We're not out of the woods. We have to consider measures which will address the reality of the economy in the future. We want to make sure that Americans have a chance to get back to work and businesses have a chance to survive in this time of COVID-19. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate flo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-receiving-covid-19-vaccine | Foster Statement on Receiving COVID-19 Vaccine | 2020-12-20 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement about receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine: "At the direction of the Attending Physician, I received a COVID-19 vaccination. I have confidence in its safety and efficacy, and I trust the scientists and researchers who have been working around the clock since the beginning of this pandemic to develop, test, and approve a vaccine. Thanks to their efforts, combined with decades of sustained federal investment in medical and scientific research, we have a weapon to defeat this virus. "I am pleased to see that elected officials of both parties are stepping forward to get vaccinated. It is essential that our government maintains its ability to function. That is especially important as we prepare to convene a new Congress and transition to a new Administration. "Even with a vaccine, I will continue to wear a mask, practice social distancing, and follow the science and advice of health officials to slow the spread of the virus as much as possible while vaccines are deployed throughout the country. "I urge all Americans to get vaccinated as soon as it's available to them." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-votes-schneider-led-legislation-repeal-state-and-local-tax-salt-deduction | House Votes for Schneider-Led Legislation to Repeal State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction Cap | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5377, Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which would provide relief to many Tenth District communities facing increased taxes as a result of the 2017 Republican tax law. Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) helped introduce the legislation as an original co-sponsor and has been a staunch advocate for repealing the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap. The 2017 tax law capped the SALT deduction at $10,000 (including for married couples) which raised taxes on many Illinois families. H.R. 5377 would eliminate the marriage penalty for 2019 by doubling the deduction to $20,000 for married filers, and it would eliminate the cap entirely in 2020 and 2021. Passing legislation to eliminate the SALT cap has been a top priority for Schneider. He was an original co-sponsor helping to introduce the legislation at the Ways and Means Committee, participated in the Committee mark-up, and also testified for nearly an hour representing the bill on Monday as the House Rules Committee debated the legislation (video). During the floor debate on the legislation, Schneider spoke in support: VIDEO: Schneider speaks on House floor in support of eliminating SALT deduction Schneider's remarks on the House floor: I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act. This legislation that seeks to fix one of the most harmful provisions of the 2017 Republican tax law the $10,000 limit on the State and Local Tax Deduction. Raising this unfair, punishing cap is a top priority for the constituents I represent. Forcing Americans to pay federal tax on taxes they already paid to state and local governments is double taxation and it's wrong. In my Illinois district, approximately 42 percent of filers use the SALT deduction, and the average deduction is significantly higher nearly double - the new cap. Even worse the new $10,000 cap applies equally to married and single filers. This creates a marriage penalty and further puni… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-selected-serve-appropriations-committee | Underwood Selected to Serve on the Appropriations Committee | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON– Today, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that she has been selected by the full House Democratic Caucus to serve on the prestigious House Committee on Appropriations for the 117th Congress. The committee will be led by Chair Rosa DeLauro (CT-03). "I am delighted and honored to be selected to serve on the House Appropriations Committee. The Appropriations Committee has a rich history of transformative and bipartisan policymaking, and I welcome the opportunity to carry forward this important work to create opportunities for Illinois families and ensure communities across the United States have the resources they need to thrive," Underwood said. The House Committee on Appropriations is responsible for funding the federal government's vital activities to keep the United States safe and invest in families and communities across the country. Through the 12 appropriations bills that the Committee considers each year, Committee members work on behalf of the American people by prioritizing good schools, robust job training, affordable higher education, quality health care, and better infrastructure. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-attempts-to-pass-legislation-to-protect-hong-kong-residents-from-persecution | Durbin Attempts to Pass Legislation to Protect Hong Kong Residents from Persecution | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.20 Durbin Attempts to Pass Legislation to Protect Hong Kong Residents from Persecution Senator Ted Cruz objected to Durbin's request WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, today joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) to request Senate passage of theHong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act, which would grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Hong Kong residents currently in the U.S. and provide refugee protections to Hong Kong residents facing persecution. Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) objected to the request. Thousands of protesters in Hong Kong have been persecuted fighting for the liberties that we Americans routinely say we enjoy: freedoms of assembly and speech, the right to vote, due process and the rule of law. The National Security Law imposed on Hong Kong by the Chinese Communist Party in June has enabled the ruthless abuse of protestors, political leaders, journalists, and teachers. Despite its name, the National Security Law is not about security, it's about fear; fear of the voices in Hong Kong calling for reform of democracy and freedom. I believe my colleagues on both sides of the aisle share my feelings about the crisis in Hong Kong. But the question today is, what are we willing to do about it?Durbin asked. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations. This week, Durbin participated in a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on the United States' Hong Kong refugee policy and urged the Senate to immediately pass the bipartisan House-passedHong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Actand slammed Trump Administration policies that have put at risk Hong Kongers who are fleeing Chinese persecution, as well as thousands of other vulnerable refugees from around th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-senate-dems-announce-significant-additions-to-the-economic-justice-act | Durbin, Duckworth, Senate Dems Announce Significant Additions to the Economic Justice Act | 2020-12-19 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.20 Durbin, Duckworth, Senate Dems Announce Significant Additions to the Economic Justice Act The historic proposal now provides more than $435 Billion to address systemic racism and historic underinvestment in communities of color WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats, today unveiled new additions to theEconomic Justice Act, a major legislative proposal that now provides more than $435 billion in immediate and long-term investments in communities of color to address systemic racism and reverse decades of historic underinvestment. The substantial additions to the Economic Justice Act make an even larger investment in Black and Brown communities across America that have been underfunded for generations,said Durbin.The bill not only provides funding to help child care providers, expand public health care and access to affordable housing, address maternal mortality rates, improve job training, support at-risk youth, and increase access to capital for minority-owned businesses, but it also helps build back the communities that have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. If we are serious about lifting up communities of color that have faced generations of inequalities, it starts by putting our money where our mouth is and passing this bill. This deadly pandemic has laid bare the overwhelming inequities in our healthcare, economic and environmental protection systems that have plagued communities of color for far too long,said Duckworth.I'm proud to join Leader Schumer in introducing the Economic Justice Act, a critical piece of legislation that would help address generations of injustice by increasing access to child care and community healthcare, confronting the maternal mortality crisis and investing in infrastructure in communities of color in Illinois and across our nation. Through eleven key … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-davis-statement-hr-3250-julius-rosenwald-and-rosenwald-schools-act-2020 | Rep. Davis Statement on HR 3250, the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Act of 2020 | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | December 17, 2020 Floor Remarks on HR 3250, the Julius Rosenwald and Rosenwald Schools Act of 2020. (as prepared-bill passed the House) Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Julius Rosenwald Schools Act and thank leadership for placing it on the suspension calendar. This bill starts the process to establish a Julius Rosenwald Schools National Historical Park to focus on the incredible impact of Julius Rosenwald, a successful entrepreneur and renowned philanthropist who make lasting contributions to the advancement of African American Education and other cultural social, scientific and economic developments. Mr. Rosenwald was the President of Sears Roebuck & Company during its heyday. He used his fortune to enhance the lives of others, establishing museums, community centers and housing as well as helping Jews in Europe and new immigrants to the United States. Mr. Rosenwald was a friend and associate of Booker T. Washington. He served on the board of Tuskegee College and established the Julius Rosenwald Fund and partnered with local groups to create over 5,300 schools in the south for Africa Americans. During the 1920’s, 1930’s and 1940’s it is reported that one-third of all Africa American children in the south were educated in the Rosenwald Schools. Although I did not attend a Rosenwald School I grew up in the rural south, Arkansas and attended a one room school where one teacher, Mrs. Beadie King taught 8 grades, plus what we called the little primer and the big primer all at the same time. Many of the small towns and rural areas where African Americans lived had no schools at all and if they did, they often only went to the 6th or 8th grades. As one who has lived, worked and represents the area where Sears Roebuck and Company has its international headquarters, I know and understand the importance of Mr. Rosenwald’s life and contributions. In addition to education, Rosenwald provided matching funds to communities for construction of YMCAs for African Americans during the Jim Crow era. The Rosen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402563 | Kinzinger Fighting for Nuclear Energy Communities | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | This week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) introduced legislation that would establish an emissions avoidance program for certain nuclear reactors and authorize funding for nuclear closure communities.' share: f t Washington, DC This week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) introduced legislation that would establish an emissions avoidance program for certain nuclear reactors and authorize funding for nuclear closure communities.' The Preserving Existing Nuclear Energy Generation Act is the House companion to a bipartisan effort by the Senate (S. 4897), and is increasingly important to communities like those in Illinois' 16th Congressional District, where nuclear generating stations are at continued risk of closure. Following introduction of the H.R. 9015 legislation with his colleague Congressman Mike Doyle (D-PA), Congressman Kinzinger released this statement: The greatest source of zero-emission bulk power in this country is slowly dying on the vine. In Illinois, 11 operating nuclear reactors including eight in the 16th District provide 88% of the state's emission-free electricity. But a combination of factors, including misguided fears about nuclear power, have hampered the political will to ensure this revolutionary technology continues to power our neighborhoods, schools, and communities. I believe in a State's right to determine its own energy portfolio. But what I'm seeing is massive public support across Illinois for nuclear being met with political gridlock in Springfield. So now, it's time for a federal solution. The Preserving Existing Nuclear Energy Generation Act is designed to help save nuclear plants that are on the chopping block--including Byron and Dresden here in our backyard--by providing financial credits through an Emissions Avoidance Program. It also seeks to soften the blow to local communities who suffer the most near-term damage from the closure of these plants by providing resources to help shore up imme… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-murphy-introduce-legislation-protect-presidential-records | Quigley, Murphy Introduce Legislation to Protect Presidential Records | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | quigley | https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) introduced the Promoting Accountability and Security in Transition (PAST) Act after reports emerged that the outgoing Trump administration is destroying presidential records and ignoring the law when using non-official electronic devices to conduct official business. The PAST Act would clarify and enhance existing law with regards to presidential transition and presidential records. "This bill ensures that all presidential records are documented, archived, and preserved for the historical record," said Quigley, co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Transparency Caucus. "It is imperative that we push for commonsense legislation like this to hold elected officials accountable for what they do and say, including on social media platforms. This is about building more government accountability and transparency not only for the outgoing administration but for every administration." Quigley has championed transparency and oversight in the fact of the Trump administration's historic efforts to stonewall the public. In 2017, he introduced the COVFEFE Act to include social media material in the Presidential Records Act, and the MAR-A-LAGO Act to require White House and Trump property visitor logs be made public. "It's been over a month since Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won the election, and President Trump still has yet to concede. Even more troubling are reports that his administration is destroying presidential records and refusing to share national security information with the transition," said Murphy. "The American people see that the process is broken and that it is time for reform. Our legislation clarifies and enhances existing laws related to presidential transitions and presidential records by putting in safeguards and transparency to ensure the paper trail that documents the actions taken by this and future administrations cannot be swept under the rug with impunity. It also establishes real consequences for the destruction of P… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403946 | House Passes Rep. Davis’ Bipartisan Legislation to Help State and Local Governments Prepare for Severe Weather and Catastrophic Events | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed bipartisan disaster mitigation legislation - S. 3418, the Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation (STORM) Act - to help state and local governments prepare for or rebuild from severe weather or catastrophic events. S. 3418 is the Senate counterpart to legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) in the House - H.R. 3779, the Resilience Revolving Loan Fund Act introduced in July of 2019. Severe weather and catastrophic events cause great strain on local economies and municipal budgets in cities and towns in Illinois like Grafton and many others across the country, said Rep. Davis. Our bipartisan bill will give state and local governments the tools they need to prepare for emergency disasters before they happen. This will protect local economies and taxpayers alike. I'd like to thank Rep. Craig for our partnership on this issue in the House and all of the advocates who helped get this critical legislation passed. I look forward to the president swiftly signing this legislation into law so we can be prepared before the next time disaster strikes. In recent years, cities and towns in the Second District have experienced some of the most devastating flood seasons in recent memory threatening Minnesotans' homes, doing severe damage to public property and costing our local communities millions of dollars in recovery efforts, said Rep. Craig. I am incredibly proud that our bill which will soon be signed into law by President Trump will allow cities like Red Wing, Jordan and Hastings to invest in resilient infrastructure that will not only protect their communities, but also save countless taxpayer dollars in the years to come. Representative Angie Craig of Minnesota and my Representative Rodney Davis of Illinois have championed our proposal for passage of the Resilience Revolving Loan Fund from the beginning and they continue to do so today. Protecting our communities from the increasing disasters … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-more-than-9-million-to-support-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-in-illinois | Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $9 Million To Support COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout In Illinois | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2020 Duckworth, Durbin Announce More Than $9 Million To Support COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout In Illinois [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a total of $9.709 million in federal funding to Illinois to provide critical COVID-19 public health infrastructure support, such as data monitoring capabilities, for vaccination distribution and administration. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will receive $6,691,329 for vaccine distribution, laboratory support, and other activities, and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will receive $3,017,831 for these coronavirus response efforts. With Americans now getting the COVID-19 vaccineand approval of a second vaccine on the horizonour country and our state are inching toward the light at the end of this devastating COVID-19 tunnel, said Duckworth This federal investment will be used to help distribute vaccinesefficiently and equitablyacross Illinois. I'll keep working alongside Senator Durbin and state and local health officials to support Illinoisans, especially those from hard-hit communities, in getting vaccinated. Thankfully, vaccines are now on their way to Illinois, and we can see a path out of the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal funding will help ensure that Illinois will be able to successfully and equitably deliver the vaccine to people in every corner of our state,Durbin said.Senator Duckworth and I remain committed to providing our health departments and experts with the federal funding needed to get through this crisis. This federal funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. To date, Illinois has received $346.4 million and Chicago has received $218 million in federal funding secured by Senators Durbin and Duckworth from the CDC for the COVID-19 response. -30- … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-senate-dems-announce-significant-additions-to-the-economic-justice-act | Duckworth, Durbin, Senate Dems Announce Significant Additions To The Economic Justice Act | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2020 Duckworth, Durbin, Senate Dems Announce Significant Additions To The Economic Justice Act The historic proposal now provides more than $435 Billion to address systemic racism and historic underinvestment in communities of color [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senate Democrats, today unveiled new additions to the Economic Justice Act, a major legislative proposal that now provides more than $435 billion in immediate and long-term investments in communities of color to address systemic racism and reverse decades of historic underinvestment. This deadly pandemic has laid bare the overwhelming inequities in our healthcare, economic and environmental protection systems that have plagued communities of color for far too long,said Duckworth.I'm proud to join Leader Schumer in introducing the Economic Justice Act, a critical piece of legislation that would help address generations of injustice by increasing access to child care and community healthcare, confronting the maternal mortality crisis and investing in infrastructure in communities of color in Illinois and across our nation. The substantial additions to the Economic Justice Act make an even larger investment in Black and Brown communities across America that have been underfunded for generations, said Durbin. The bill not only provides funding to help child care providers, expand public health care and access to affordable housing, address maternal mortality rates, improve job training, support at-risk youth, and increase access to capital for minority-owned businesses, but it also helps build back the communities that have been hit the hardest by the COVID-19 pandemic. If we are serious about lifting up communities of color that have faced generations of inequalities, it starts by putting our money where our mouth is … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-langevin-urge-biden-and-harris-to-prioritize-millions-of-americans-with-disabilities-hire-and-appoint-people-with-disabilities-throughout-the-administration | Duckworth, Langevin Urge Biden & Harris to Prioritize Millions of Americans with Disabilities, Hire and Appoint People with Disabilities Throughout the Administration | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2020 Duckworth, Langevin Urge Biden & Harris to Prioritize Millions of Americans with Disabilities, Hire and Appoint People with Disabilities Throughout the Administration [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Jim Langevin (D-RI-02) today wrote a letter urging President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris to hire and appoint people with disabilities across all agencies and departments and select appointees who will prioritize the rights of people with disabilities from Day One of the incoming administration. In their letter, Duckworth and Langevin noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted the disability communitywhich approximately 61 million Americans belong to. Millions of Americans with pre-existing medical conditions are at higher risk of severe complications from COVID-19, and people with intellectual and development disabilities are three times more likely to die from the disease compared to others. Further, many employees and students with disabilities have lost access to reasonable accommodations due to precautions taken because of the ongoing pandemic. It is therefore imperative that you expeditiously fill political appointments across the federal government with disability policy experts to address these challenges, including appointees with a diversity of lived experiences, Duckworth and Langevin wrote. To that end, we urge you and your administration to hire people with disabilities at all levels of the executive branchfrom the Cabinet downand across all departments and agencies. We also urge the swift appointment of highly qualified candidates in key positions, including at the National Council on Disability (NCD), Access Board, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Administration for Community Living, HHS Office of Civil Rights, Division of Civil Rights at the Department of Justice, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/gao-issues-report-evaluating-effectiveness-of-move-over-laws-to-protect-first-responders-in-response-to-push-from-duckworth-durbin-fischer-and-bustos | GAO Issues Report Evaluating Effectiveness of “Move Over” Laws to Protect First Responders in Response to Push from Duckworth, Durbin, Fischer & Bustos | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2020 GAO Issues Report Evaluating Effectiveness of Move Over Laws to Protect First Responders in Response to Push from Duckworth, Durbin, Fischer & Bustos [WASHINGTON, DC] In response to a request from U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) yesterday announced findings from their review of the effectiveness of current Move Over laws, the challenges states face in implementing these laws and how the federal government can help states increase public awareness to avoid emergency responders being killed when they are stopped on the side of the road. As GAO's report makes clear, significant works remains to be done to reduce the number of preventable deadly roadside accidents that have killed far too many first responders over the years, said Duckworth, Ranking Member of the Senate Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety. Moving forward, I am committed to working with my colleagues, NHTSA and state officials to support research initiatives, strengthen data collection and ultimately, promote improved policies that save the lives of law enforcement, motorists and other transportation workers. We've lost too many emergency responders on the side of the road because of a failure to move over. These laws can help prevent roadside tragedies and I'm pleased the GAO has given states like Illinois a roadmap in increasing awareness around Move Over' laws, Durbin said. As chairman of the Transportation and Safety Subcommittee, I was glad to join Ranking Member Duckworth in calling for this examination of move over laws, Fischer said.First responders are there when we need them the most,andwe should always be looking for ways to make their jobssafer. I look forward to examining this report andwill continue to work toincrease the safety ofour roads. Move Over' laws protect our emergency responders, police, fire and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-more-than-9-million-to-support-covid-19-vaccine-rollout-in-illinois | Durbin, Duckworth Announce More than $9 million to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Illinois | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.20 Durbin, Duckworth Announce More than $9 million to Support COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in Illinois WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded a total of $9.709 million in federal funding to Illinois to provide critical COVID-19 public health infrastructure support, such as data monitoring capabilities, for vaccination distribution and administration. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will receive $6,691,329 for vaccine distribution, laboratory support, and other activities, and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will receive $3,017,831 for these coronavirus response efforts. Thankfully, vaccines are now on their way to Illinois, and we can see a path out of the COVID-19 pandemic. This federal funding will help ensure that Illinois will be able to successfully and equitably deliver the vaccine to people in every corner of our state,Durbin said.Senator Duckworth and I remain committed to providing our health departments and experts with the federal funding needed to get through this crisis. With Americans now getting the COVID-19 vaccineand approval of a second vaccine on the horizonour country and our state are inching toward the light at the end of this devastating COVID-19 tunnel,said DuckworthThis federal investment will be used to help distribute vaccinesefficiently and equitablyacross Illinois. I'll keep working alongside Senator Durbin and state and local health officials to support Illinoisans, especially those from hard-hit communities, in getting vaccinated. This federal funding is provided through theCoronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Actand thePaycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. To date, Illinois has received $346.4 million and Chicago has received $218 million in federal funding secured by Senators Durbin and Duckworth from the CDC for the COVID-19 response. -30- … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-i-dont-understand-the-white-houses-silence-in-the-face-of-russian-cyberattack | Durbin: I Don't Understand the White House's Silence in the Face of Russian Cyberattack | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.20 Durbin: I Don't Understand the White House's Silence in the Face of Russian Cyberattack WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today slammed President Trump for his silence in the aftermath of a government-wide cyberattack that was likely conducted by Russia one of a series of ongoing Russian attacks and threats including the placing of bounties on American servicemembers. Durbin called for the Administration to be firm and honest with the American people about the nature of this threat and for a full investigation into what went wrong. The White House has been virtually silent as all of these facts have unfolded by the day. I cannot understand why the Commander in Chief of the United States of America has not spoken out forcefully against the Russians for their involvement in this cybersecurity breach, why he has not likened this to a virtual invasion of the United States when it comes to our own national security,Durbin said.I'm hopeful that the new President, Joe Biden, when he takes office January 20th, will make it a priority to establish a new understanding and relationship with Vladimir Putin. The United States cannot be a victim of Putin over and over again without speaking out and more. I'm counting on Joe Biden to do that. I believe he will. He is a realist. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-receives-pfizer-covid-19-vaccination | Durbin Receives Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.20 Durbin Receives Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccination WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after receiving the first dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine: The Attending Physician of the Capitol notified all Members of Congress and staff that, consistent with Presidential Policy Directive, Congress and the Supreme Court along with Executive Branch agencies would be provided and encouraged administration of the COVID-19 vaccine to meet the requirements for continuity of government operations. Therefore, I received my first Pfizer COVID-19 vaccination today. I trust our public health and medical experts and encourage everyone, in consultation with your personal physician, to do the same as the distribution process continues so we can collectively end this pandemic. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-we-must-pass-a-bipartisan-covid-19-emergency-relief-bill-before-the-holidays | Durbin: We Must Pass a Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill Before the Holidays | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.20 Durbin: We Must Pass a Bipartisan COVID-19 Emergency Relief Bill Before the Holidays WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Congress to pass a bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief package before leaving for the holidays. Congressional leadership is currently negotiating a package based off the $748 billion, bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief legislation that Durbin helped negotiate. The package includes funding for unemployment insurance, small businesses, vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing, health care providers, housing and education assistance, and more. At the end of the day we produced two documents. One of these documents was a $748 billion consensus document that we thought was essential as part of any COVID relief package. [It] extends unemployment benefits for 16 weeks, including[for] about 160,000 people in my state who claim the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance and 248,000 [who claim] Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation. Millions of Americans, 12 million Americans, [will lose] their unemployment compensation on the day after Christmas. Imagine that. Durbin also discussed his disappointment that funding for state and local governments was not included in the $748 billion package. We do not include direct relief for state and local governments. I hope we can return to that issue soon, very quickly, after the first of the year, and perhaps with a new president and find a way to provide this relief. The alternative is awful. I know what's going to happen to a lot of the local budgets. Police officers are going to be furloughed, firefighters, teachers, health care workers, just at a moment in time when we need them the most, many of these communities will be unable to continue providing those very fundamental services to keep us safe,Durbin said. Durbin also urged Congressional negotiators to come together on a deal to fund the government before the Continuing Resolution (CR) expires tonight at mi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-bill-to-rename-galesburg-post-office-in-honor-of-senior-airman-daniel-miller | Senate Passes Bill to Rename Galesburg Post Office in Honor of Senior Airman Daniel Miller | 2020-12-18 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.20 Senate Passes Bill to Rename Galesburg Post Office in Honor of Senior Airman Daniel Miller WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Senate unanimously passed legislation introduced to rename the U.S. Post Office facility at 476 East Main Street in Galesburg, Illinois, as the Senior Airman Daniel Miller Post Office Building. Senior Airman Miller was killed in action protecting our nation on January 7, 2007, by a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device while performing duties in Al-Mahmudiyah, Iraq. U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) introduced the bill in the House of Representatives, which passed last week. The legislation now heads to the President's desk to be signed into law. Senior Airman Daniel Miller gave his life defending this great nation. I'm glad the Senate unanimously agreed to honor the extraordinary sacrifice and service of this native son of Galesburg by renaming the post office in his home town. I look forward to this bill being signed into law soon,said Durbin. Renaming the Galesburg Post Office as the Senior Airman Daniel Miller Post Office Building is an honor for a hometown hero who gave his life to protect and serve our nation,said Duckworth.By unanimously passing this legislation, we are recognizing Senior Airman Miller's sacrifice and I look forward to the day this bill is signed into law. We may never be able to repay Senior Airman Miller for his service, but it is our duty to remember his sacrifice,Bustos said.I'm proud to see this legislation is on its way to becoming law and I hope this commemoration will serve as a place for the Galesburg community to honor their hometown hero. Prior to joining the Air Force, Senior Airman Miller lived in Galesburg, Illinois,and attended the Rio, Oneida, Wataga, Victoria and Altona (ROWVA) High School in Oneida, Illinois, where he played football and graduated in 2001. Senior Airman Miller was the eldest of six children, including a younger brother who served a y… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garc-introduces-five-health-equity-bills | Congressman García Introduces Five Health Equity Bills | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Today Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) introduced a suite of five health equity bills aimed at reducing health disparities for communities of color. The bills are part of the larger Health Equity and Accountability Act of 2020 introduced in April by Congressman Garca and the Tri-Caucus. COVID-19 does not discriminate, and yet, Black and Latino community members continue to contract the virus and die at higher rates. The impact of cuts in services and food insecurity also fall disproportionately on working class neighborhoods. In Chicago, one's zip code determines exposure, access to care, the chances to live or die, and that must change, said Congressman Garca. People should not go hungry or face barriers to health care simply because they cannot afford it. I'm introducing these bills to create a more inclusive, equitable health care systemto ensure working people have access to life saving services. If we are serious about addressing this unprecedented public health emergency, we must urgently end disparities in health outcomes for Black, Latino, and marginalized communities and provide access to the affordable, quality health care we all need and deserve. Descriptions of the bills can be found below: Health Workforce Diversity Act Establishes grants to Hispanic-serving health professions schools, Historically Black Colleges & Universities, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges, Regional community-based organizations and national minority medical associations, for counseling, mentoring and information on scholarships and financial assistance to recruit underrepresented minority individuals to enroll in and graduate from health professions schools. Health and Nutrition Access for All Act Removes eligibility restrictions based on immigration status for individuals who are lawfully present to access coverage and benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program. Removing Barr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garc-espaillat-and-vel-zquez-introduce-bill-create-local-accountability | Reps. García, Espaillat, and Velázquez Introduce Bill to Create Local Accountability in the Puerto Rican Recovery Process | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today Representatives Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Nydia Velzquez (NY-07) introduced the Community Driven Recovery for Puerto Rico Act, a bill that strengthens transparency and oversight of federal recovery efforts in Puerto Rico by establishing a Civil Society Task Force to ensure Puerto Ricans have a seat at the table in the decisions about recovery efforts. The Community Driven Recovery for Puerto Rico Act: Strengthens transparency and local oversight of recovery efforts and facilitates local participation in contracting and decision making. Establishes a 13-member Civil Society Task Force elected from different sectors of Puerto Rican society including local government, communities, foundations, business, labor and higher education. Appoints a representative from the Civil Society Task Force within each recovery agencyincluding FEMA, HUD, the Puerto Rican Central Recovery and Reconstruction Office and the Puerto Rico Housing Departmentto oversee agency work and promote equity and inclusion. More than three years after Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, the island is still devastated, and Puerto Rican voices have been shut out of the federal recovery process. I'm introducing the Community Driven Recovery for Puerto Rico Act to enable the people of Puerto Rico to provide input into the recovery process and hold relief agencies accountable, said Congressman Jess Chuy Garca. Ingenuity, resourcefulness, and mutual aid already exist in Puerto Rico's communitiesit's past time for the federal government to include local people and help the island recover. This bill is a big step in the right direction. The Trump administration's failed response to Hurricanes Maria and Irma and their destructive impact on Puerto Rico illustrated how valuable local input would be to relief efforts following natural disasters. Programs rolled out by this administration have continuously faced shortcomings that remain evident, as thousands on the island are still without homes, stable… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/larson-davis-demand-social-security-administration-forgive-extra-benefits-paid | Larson, Davis Demand Social Security Administration Forgive Extra Benefits Paid Due to COVID-19 | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Today, House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (D-CT) and Worker and Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL) sent a letter to Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Andrew Saul demanding that SSA forgive repayment of extra benefits paid to Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This fall, SSA began notifying beneficiaries about these extra benefit payments, which were paid through no fault of their own. SSA also set up a limited process for some beneficiaries to have repayment of their COVID-19 overpayments forgiven. However there have been widespread reports that many beneficiaries have been unable to access even this limited relief. “With the clock ticking, we urge SSA to immediately extend and expand the streamlined waiver process, providing all beneficiaries with immediate, automatic relief from COVID-19 overpayments. We also request that you provide us with detailed information on SSA’s actions and any relief that has been provided, to date,” wrote Larson and Davis. “It is unfair and unjust for SSA to allow any hurdles to prevent beneficiaries from accessing relief from these COVID-19 overpayments,” continued Larson and Davis. “We urge SSA to immediately provide automatic relief for all beneficiaries with a COVID-19 overpayment, regardless of whether or not they apply for relief.” The full letter can be viewed here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-nomination-of-jennifer-granholm-for-secretary-of-energy | Foster Statement on Nomination of Jennifer Granholm for Secretary of Energy | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on President-elect Biden's nomination of Jennifer Granholm as Secretary of Energy: "I congratulate Jennifer Granholm on being nominated to be the Secretary of Energy. As a former governor, she has the experience needed to oversee the Department's thousands of dedicated employees whose work is critical to our country's national security and technological capacity. She is a proven leader and advocate for renewable energy technology, like the research into advanced battery technology being done at Argonne National Laboratory, that will help transform our economy and is essential in our fight against climate change. "The next Secretary has a lot of work to do to help return our government to competent, science-driven leadership on American energy policy, nuclear nonproliferation, and the support for our nation's national laboratories. The labs drive the research that will fuel the next generation of American innovation, as they have for decades. "As a Member serving on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee who represents Argonne National Laboratory as part of my District - and who spent 24 years as a high-energy particle physicist at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory - I have a deep commitment to the men and women who make our national labs the global leaders that they are, and I look forward to working with Secretary-designate Granholm to make sure they have the federal resources they need to do their jobs." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://lahood.house.gov/2020/12/rep-lahood-announces-congressional-app-challenge-winner-illinois-18th-0 | Rep. LaHood Announces Congressional App Challenge Winner for Illinois’ 18th Congressional District | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | lahood | https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) announced today that Nehal Tangudu, a senior at Normal Community High School, has won the Congressional App Challenge for the 18th Congressional District of Illinois in 2020. Nehal's project, the "Timeline of the Universe" was completed while taking classes from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “I am pleased to announce that Nehal Tangudu from Normal Community High School has won this year’s Congressional App Challenge for the 18th District of Illinois,” stated Rep. LaHood. “Not only did Nehal display exceptional coding and technical skills in his application, but Nehal's innovative design in the Timeline of the Universe went above and beyond expectations." “This year’s Challenge brought a variety of applicants from across central and west-central Illinois, and it was the most competitive competition we’ve had over the last four years. The Congressional App Challenge always presents an exciting opportunity for students to showcase their talent in the innovative technology field. Computer science and STEM education are critical to our nation’s long-term success, and I will continue to promote the importance of these programs through this Challenge and in Congress.” Timeline for the Universe App Name: Timeline for the Universe School: Normal Community High School Overview: The app gives an in depth timeline our earth's history, providing educational information about the world's evolution You can view his submission here | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403944 | Davis Announces Service Academy Nominees for Class of 2025 | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced that he has nominated 16 local students for admittance to the U.S. Service Academies for the Class of 2025. The nominations for these students were made following an application and interview process. Final determination on admission is made by the individual academies. As a Member of Congress, I have the privilege of nominating these accomplished young men and women to our nation's service academies,said Davis.The honor of attending a service academy comes with an obligation and commitment to serve in the military upon graduation, so I applaud these students for their decision to serve and wish them the best of luck. Academy Nominations: Simon Beazly, Decatur, attends Mt. Zion High School and is the son of Randel Beazly and Simone Demirjian-Beazly. He was nominated to the Military Academy (West Point). Jackson Budwell, Glen Carbon, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Richard and Heather Budwell. He was nominated to the Military (West Point), Air Force, and Naval Academies. Michael Graham, Bloomington, attends the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School (MAPS) and is the son of Kevin Graham and Nora Lembke. He was nominated to the Military Academy (West Point). Alexa Harris, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the daughter of Robert and Penny Harris. She was nominated to the Air Force Academy. Joshua Harris, Edwardsville, attended Edwardsville High School and is the son of Tony and Kelly Harris. He was nominated to the Naval Academy. Robert Hooten, Decatur, attends MacArthur High School and is the son of Aaron and Sierra Hooten. He was nominated to the Air Force and Naval Academies. Conner Husted, Clinton, attends Clinton High School and is the son of Donald and Jessica Husted. He was nominated to the Naval Academy. Grant Matarelli, Edwardsville, attends Edwardsville High School and is the son of Kevin and Julie Matarelli. He was nominated to the Air Force Academy. Austin Payne, Glen Carbon, attends Edwardsville High Scho… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-announces-600000-federal-grant-korean-cultural-center-chicago | Schneider Announces $600,000 Federal Grant for the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bradley Scott Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | schneider | https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | DEERFIELD, IL — Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL10) announced a $600,000 grant award to the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago. The grant was awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to fund the Bisco Hall renovation at the Center. The Korean Cultural Center of Chicago was established to provide a physical facility where everyone in the Midwest can show their interest in and promote Korean heritage. "Chicago's Korean Cultural Center is a hub for the Korean-American community throughout my district and around Chicago, a sister city to Korea's city of Busan. I'm thrilled that the National Endowment for the Humanities was able to make this investment in our area and in our Korean-American community. I will continue to do everything I can to support our Korean-American community and promote local artists," said Brad Schneider. "At the Korean Cultural Center, we are committed to promoting and organizing Korean cultural, arts, educational activities, and strongly encourage cross-cultural understanding that can embrace and empower all people to coexist peacefully. Without this grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the support of Congressman Schneider, projects like Bisco Hall renovation project would be impossible. Now, Korean artists will have the support and space they need to create meaningful works and bring Korean heritage to life in the United States," said Yoon Tae Kim, President of the Korean Cultural Center of Chicago. About Federal Grants: Congressman Schneider's office is available to help Tenth District applicants seeking information or assistance applying for federal grants. Please contact the office in Lincolnshire at (847) 383-4870 to learn more. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/after-hearing-algonquin-resident-unfairly-impacted-department-education | After Hearing from Algonquin Resident Unfairly Impacted by Department of Education Limiting Students' Rights, Underwood Leads New Legislation to Protect the Civil Rights of Students | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) introduced new legislation to protect the civil rights of students. Underwood developed the legislation after being made aware of unfair practices at the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) when the family of Madison Paez, of Algonquin, contacted her office seeking assistance for an OCR complaint alleging a college discriminated against her on the basis of her disability. The Restoring Students' Right to Appeal Act (H.R. 8994) would remedy unfair practices by OCR under Secretary Betsy DeVos that impact students', like Madison, across the country. "A fair appeals process at the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights is critical to protecting the civil rights of students, workers, and their families, but under Secretary DeVos, those rights have been impacted. When I was made aware of this problem impacting people in my community, I immediately worked to ensure that OCR fulfills its responsibilities, improves fairness, and protects the rights of students," said Underwood. "As a student with disabilities who was personally impacted by the lack of an opportunity to file a fair and timely appeal, I am grateful for Congresswoman Underwood's support and efforts. My pleas to Secretary DeVos and the Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights fell on deaf ears. I am hopeful that the Restoring Students' Right to Appeal Act put forth by Congresswoman Underwood will afford me, as well as other students, the opportunity to appeal and our due process rights," said Madison Paez from Algonquin. In March 2018, OCR revised longstanding procedures to remove the option to appeal for certain complainants. OCR reversed this change in November 2018 to permit appeals for new cases but continued to deny the right to appeal for complaints filed between March and November 2018. Ultimately, OCR entered into a settlement agreement in which it agreed to allow such appeals; however, many complainants, including the constituent of Underwood's, were not… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-calls-on-national-guard-to-preserve-records-regarding-dangerous-low-flying-military-helicopter-flights-threatening-peaceful-protesters | Duckworth Calls on National Guard to Preserve Records Regarding Dangerous, Low-Flying Military Helicopter Flights Threatening Peaceful Protesters | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2020 Duckworth Calls on National Guard to Preserve Records Regarding Dangerous, Low-Flying Military Helicopter Flights Threatening Peaceful Protesters [WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee and one of the first Army women to fly combat missions in her Blackhawk helicopter during Operation Iraqi Freedom, today called on the National Guard Bureau to preserve all records regarding planning and operations related to the National Guard's response to civil unrest in Washington, D.C., earlier this year. The June 1st response included low-flying military aircraft intimidating large groups of Americans exercising their first amendment rights, and it followed Donald Trump's threats of military action against those protesting the killing of George Floyd. In a letter to General Daniel Hokanson, National Guard Bureau Chief, Duckworth wrote: Document preservation is critical to enable Congress to conduct, at the appropriate time, oversight regarding what happened and to facilitate lessons learned to ensure similar situations do not arise again. Since these incidents occurred, Duckworth has repeatedly and consistently pushed for additional oversight and investigations. She held separate calls with Army Secretary McCarthy and General Hokanson to relay her concerns and repeat her requests for investigations and information related to this incident. She sent multiple letters to DoD as well as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) demanding information and she pushed FAA Administrator Stephen Dickinson about the dangers associated with flying helicopters at low altitudes over civilians. Duckworth also raised additional concerns and has asked Secretary McCarthy to send materials related to mission briefing sheets, risk assessments, post-flight action reports and aircrew training records. Senator Duckworth's letter to General Hokanson follows and is available here: General Daniel Hokanson Chief of the National Guard Bureau 1… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-discusses-covid-19-relief-with-central-illinois-mayors | Duckworth Discusses COVID-19 Relief with Central Illinois Mayors | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2020 Duckworth Discusses COVID-19 Relief with Central Illinois Mayors [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today held a virtual meeting with seven mayors from across Central Illinois to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on their communities and the status of further relief legislation for state and local governments. Duckworth heard from local leaders about the importance of more and flexible spending for local municipalities to continue to fund important social services, as well as vaccine distribution plans across Central Illinois. Illinois communities have gone far too long without a much-needed COVID-19 stimulus package that would bring meaningful relief and resources into the hands of working families, frontline workers and local governments that desperately need help right now, Duckworth said. I know our working families, small businesses and local communities that are carrying the weight of this pandemic have been left behind, but I'm going to keep working hard to make sure this doesn't keep happening and they have assistance they need and deserve. Duckworth was joined virtually by Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe, Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis, Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder, Champaign Mayor Deborah Frank Feinen, Urbana Mayor Diane Marlin, Bloomington Mayor Tari Renner and Normal Mayor Chris Koos. Duckworth has been a strong supporter of providing more funding to state and local governments to help with budget shortfalls as a result of COVID-19. Earlier this year, Duckworthcalled for fundingto local governments serving small communities in a future relief package, andcalled for flexibility and clarityin the distribution of relief funds to state, county and local governments. -30- Print Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-introduce-bill-to-allow-illinois-senior-living-facility-residents-to-continue-receiving-nutritious-meals | Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Bill to Allow Illinois Senior Living Facility Residents to Continue Receiving Nutritious Meals | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2020 Duckworth, Durbin Introduce Bill to Allow Illinois Senior Living Facility Residents to Continue Receiving Nutritious Meals [WASHINGTON, D.C.] In response to the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) ongoing efforts to end Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for a group of supportive living facilities (SLFs) in Illinois as early as January 1st, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced legislation that would allow SLFs to continue providing nutritious meals to its residents as required by state law and allow residents at these facilities to continue receiving SNAP benefits. The Supportive Living Food Access Protection Act would amend federal law to address USDA's archaic interpretation of federal regulations by adding Supportive Living Facilities' innovative residential living framework to the list of facility types protected by federal law. Illinois SLFs serve 8,000 low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities across the state. It's outrageous that USDA is choosing to jeopardize access to nutritious meals for thousands of low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities in Illinois during a deadly global public health crisis, Duckworth said. I'm introducing this legislation with Senator Durbin to prevent these harmful efforts from being implemented and support effective community-based services, and I'll continue working to help ensure that these individuals don't go hungry this holiday season. For decades, seniors and individuals with disabilities in Illinois have depended on the SNAP program and this community living arrangement, Durbin said. It has served them well. This senseless overreach from USDA is a mistake, and is especially harmful during the pandemic. I'm proud to have worked with Senator Duckworth to protect these Illinoisans from losing access to their meals, and our legislation will continue this important effort. The SNAP program is vital to protect the livelihood and wellbeing of our… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-speaks-with-harvard-national-security-fellows-about-national-security-and-leadership | Duckworth Speaks With Harvard National Security Fellows About National Security and Leadership | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2020 Duckworth Speaks With Harvard National Security Fellows About National Security and Leadership [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Combat Veteran U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, spoke with Belfer Center Military Affairs Lecturer Bill Rapp and a group of fellows in the National Security Fellows Program at Harvard Kennedy School. They discussed national security policies, public service and leadership as well as how we can help ensure our servicemembers are supported and our armed forces are the strongest they can be. It was a pleasure to speak with these national security fellows about so many important issues that our military and our nation face today, said Duckworth. From working on the health of the all-volunteer force to encouraging public service to shoring up democratic principles at home, there is so much more we must do to support our troops and strengthen our country. The passion and commitment I saw from these fellows today gives me hope for what we can accomplish, and I won't stop working to better the lives of those who serve. The Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs is Harvard Kennedy School's center for research, teaching and training covering issues including international security and diplomacy, environmental and resource issues and science and technology policy. Fellowships at the Belfer Center include the National Security Fellows Program, a 10-month postgraduate research fellowship for U.S. military officers (lieutenant colonel/colonel or equivalent) and civilian officials from the Intelligence Community who show promise of rising to the most challenging leadership positions in their organizations. -30- Print Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-for-senate-action-to-protect-hong-kong-residents-from-persecution | Durbin Calls for Senate Action to Protect Hong Kong Residents from Persecution | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.20 Durbin Calls for Senate Action to Protect Hong Kong Residents from Persecution WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, today participated in a hearing on the United States' Hong Kong refugee policy. During the hearing, Durbin urged the Senate to immediately pass the bipartisan House-passedHong Kong People's Freedom and Choice Act, which would grant Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Hong Kong residents currently in the U.S. and provide refugee protections to Hong Kong residents facing persecution. Durbin is a cosponsor of related Senate legislation, the bipartisanHong Kong Safe Harbor Act, which would grant refugee status to Hong Kong residents at risk of persecution under the new China-imposed National Security Law. I believe that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle share my feelings about the crisis in Hong Kong. The question is what are we going to do about it? As I have said many times, the Judiciary Committee should be about legislation, not lamentation,Durbin said. Durbin also slammed Trump Administration policies that have put at risk Hong Kongers who are fleeing Chinese persecution, as well as thousands of other vulnerable refugees from around the world. How many refugees has the United States admitted from Hong Kong in the last year? Zero. The Trump Administration also has decimated legal protections for Hong Kongers and other innocent victims of persecution who flee to our borders seeking asylum,Durbin continued. Since the enactment of the Refugee Act of 1980, the United States has resettled an average of more than 80,000 refugees per year. However, in the midst of the worst refugee crisis in history, the Trump Administration has set record-low refugee admissions targets four years in a row, culminating in the lowest level in history this year 15,000. Last week, the Trump Administration issued a new rule under which Hong Kongers could be denied asylum if they transit other countries … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-discusses-covid-19-health-disparities-medical-research-with-xavier-becerra-secretary-of-health-and-human-services-nominee- | Durbin Discusses COVID-19, Health Disparities, Medical Research with Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services Nominee | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.20 Durbin Discusses COVID-19, Health Disparities, Medical Research with Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health and Human Services Nominee WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today discussed the COVID-19 pandemic with Xavier Becerra, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee to be the next Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS). Becerra presently serves as California's Attorney General and previously served in the House of Representatives from 1993 to 2017 representing downtown Los Angeles. If confirmed, Becerra would be the first Latino HHS Secretary. Durbin and Becerra spoke about shared priorities for suppressing the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of biomedical research, and addressing health disparities in Black and Latinx communities, including Durbin's Chicago HEAL Initiative. I'm pleased that President-elect Biden has chosen a groundbreaking, qualified, and dedicated nominee like Xavier Becerra. Today we spoke about health care priorities as we head into next year, first and foremost getting out of this pandemic and saving as many lives as possible. The COVID-19 pandemic has only magnified the broken parts of the American health care system, particularly the disproportionate burden on Black and Latinx communities. I look forward to working with Mr. Becerra as Secretary of HHS to restore the scientific integrity of our health agencies and to improve the health of Americans,Durbin said. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-general-lloyd-austin-president-elect-bidens-nominee-for-defense-secretary | Durbin Meets with General Lloyd Austin, President-Elect Biden's Nominee for Defense Secretary | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.20 Durbin Meets with General Lloyd Austin, President-Elect Biden's Nominee for Defense Secretary WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today released the following statement after a call with General Lloyd Austin, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee to be Secretary of Defense. On the call, Durbin asked General Austinhow he would approach leading the Pentagon as a civilian; how the U.S. can compete with adversaries like China; and about necessary reforms to address a variety of issues like procurement delays and sexual assault and harassment in the military. If confirmed, General Austin would be the first African American Defense Secretary. General Austin is a patriot, statesman, and has served our country with honor and dignity. During our call today, we discussed many important issues including countering China, the significant problem of sexual assault and harassment across the military, and developing new technologies such as AI and cyber. General Austin has the experience we need to lead our national defense effort. On the call, Durbin also encouraged General Austin to visit Illinois' military sites, including Naval Station Great Lakes, Scott Air Force Base, Rock Island Arsenal, 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria, and the 183rd Fighter Wing in Springfield. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-receives-briefing-from-operation-warp-speed-about-covid-19-vaccine-distribution | Durbin Receives Briefing from Operation Warp Speed About COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution | 2020-12-17 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.20 Durbin Receives Briefing from Operation Warp Speed About COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today was briefed by Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and officials from Operation Warp Speed and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) the ongoing COVID-19 vaccine distribution effort. Durbin received an update from health officials on how they plan to improve transparency, predictability, and accountability on the allocations and shipments of vaccine doses to Illinois, following inconsistent reports from the federal government about expected amounts of vaccines that would be available. The briefing occurred as an Advisory Committee for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a public meeting to evaluate the second COVID-19 vaccine candidate, produced by Moderna. Americans are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel as the Pfizer vaccine is making its way across the country. This is welcome news and a testament to the hard work of America's trusted researchers and scientific experts to establish the safety and efficacy of these vaccines. As the federal government moves forward in making decisions on purchasing doses, distribution strategy, and timelines, it is imperative that we be as transparent as possible in order to maintain public confidence in the process. I will continue working with Illinois officials to hold Operation Warp Speed accountable and ensure our state can smoothly and equitably implement this public health campaign,Durbin said. As part of the ongoing effort to negotiate a new bipartisan, emergency COVID-19 relief package, Durbin has supported additional funding for vaccine distribution and development, support for testing and public health monitoring, and more personal protective equipment (PPE). The Pfizer vaccine received an emergency use authorization (EUA) last Friday, and 2.9 million vaccine doses were shipped nationwide on Sunday, with Chicago receiving 23,000 dose… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bost.house.gov/2020/12/house-approves-bost-veterans-provisions | HOUSE APPROVES BOST VETERANS PROVISIONS | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Mike Bost | B001295 | bost.house.gov | bost | https://bost.house.gov/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. House of Representatives today passed the Johnny Isakson and David P. Roe Veterans Health Care and Benefits Improvements Act. The legislation includes several bills that Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12), the incoming lead Republican on the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee, introduced to improve benefits and services for veterans and their families. “Our nation’s military members have risked all in defense of our nation and our freedoms,” said Bost. “They should not be met with bureaucratic red tape when they return home. I’m proud to have introduced several provisions that were included in this package that will help ensure that servicemembers and veterans receive the benefits they have earned.” [[{"fid":"65993","view_mode":"full","fields":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Bost VA Bill 12.16.20"},"link_text":null,"type":"media","field_deltas":{"1":{"format":"full","field_file_image_alt_text[und][0][value]":"Bost VA Bill 12.16.20"}},"attributes":{"alt":"Bost VA Bill 12.16.20","class":"media-element file-full","data-delta":"1"}}]] Bost speaks on the House Floor in support of the legislative package. Click here to watch. Bost Provisions Included H.R. 7287 – Allows specialty care providers to conduct disability exams across state lines H.R. 6013 – Reforms the Service-Disabled Veterans Life Insurance (S-DVI) program to ensure that veterans can receive life insurance coverage through the VA, even if they had been previously denied coverage by private insurance providers H.R. 5245 – Includes a provision that Bost introduced to allow veterans to remove a dependent via the eBenefits website H.R. 7445 – Expands eligibility for the VA Home Loan Guarantee Program to members of the National Guard and Reserve who have been activated by governors in response to COVID-19, recent civil disturbances, and natural disasters H.R. 7105 – Expands VA services for homeless veterans during the coronavirus pandemic ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jes-s-chuy-garc-urges-congress-provide-survival-checks-all-families | Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García Urges Congress to Provide Survival Checks to All Families Including Immigrant & Mixed Status Families | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC- In a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) today called on negotiators to include direct assistance, in the form of stimulus checks, for immigrant and mixed-status families in any COVID-19 emergency relief package. These are his remarks as delivered: The video of the speech can be found here. We are close to finalizing a relief package, but I ask my colleagues: Relief for whom? A relief package without survival checks is not a relief package at all! Nor is a relief package that leaves out millions of immigrants and their families. Any deal we strike must include survival checks to families -- and -- immigrants and mixed-status families. Earlier this year, countless families I represent were denied stimulus checks, including U.S. Citizens, whose spouses are immigrants. We even excluded children who may have an immigrant parent. How in the world did we exclude U.S citizen children? In this season of sacred holidays, I implore all of us to be compassionate and not punish kids for their parents' status. Families are struggling to put food on the table and to keep a roof over their heads. Circumstances are dire. We need to put money directly into working families' pockets. I urge my colleagues that any relief package must include survival checks for everyone, including immigrant children. ### El Congresista Jess Chuy Garca Insta a Que Todas las Familias Reciban Cheques De Supervivencia, Incluidas Familias Inmigrantes y de Estatus Mixto Washington, DC- En un discurso en el pleno de la Cmara de Representantes de Estados Unidos, el congresista Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) pidi hoy a los negociadores que incluyan asistencia directa, en forma de cheques de estmulo, para inmigrantes y familias de estatus mixto en cualquier paquete de ayuda de emergencia por COVID-19. El video del discurso en ingls puede encontrarse aqu. Esta es la traduccin del discurso: Estamos cerca de finalizar un paquete de ayuda, pero les pregunto a mis colegas: Alivio para quin? Un paq… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/los-representantes-garc-y-espaillat-presentan-un-proyecto-de-ley-para-generar | Los Representantes García y Espaillat Presentan un Proyecto de Ley para Generar Responsabilidad Local en el Proceso de Recuperación de Puerto Rico | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Hoy el Congresista Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) y el Congresista Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) presentaron la Ley de Recuperacin Impulsada por la Comunidad para Puerto Rico, un proyecto de ley que fortalece la transparencia y supervisin de los esfuerzos de recuperacin federal en Puerto Rico al establecer un Grupo de Trabajo de la Sociedad Civil para asegurar que los puertorriqueos tengan un lugar en la mesa en las decisiones sobre los esfuerzos de recuperacin. La Ley de Recuperacin Impulsada por la Comunidad para Puerto Rico: Fortalece la transparencia y la supervisin local de los esfuerzos de recuperacin y facilita la participacin local en la contratacin y la toma de decisiones. Establece un Grupo de Trabajo de la Sociedad Civil de 13 miembros elegidos de diferentes sectores de la sociedad puertorriquea, incluidos el gobierno local, las comunidades, las fundaciones, los negocios, el trabajo y la educacin superior. Designa a un representante del Grupo de Trabajo de la Sociedad Civil dentro de cada agencia de recuperacin incluyendo FEMA, HUD, la Oficina Central de Recuperacin y Reconstruccin de Puerto Rico y el Departamento de Vivienda de Puerto Rico para supervisar el trabajo de la agencia y promover la equidad y la inclusin. Ms de tres aos despus de que el huracn Mara azotara a Puerto Rico, la isla an est devastada y las voces puertorriqueas han sido excluidas del proceso de recuperacin federal. Estoy presentando la Ley de Recuperacin Impulsada por la Comunidad para Puerto Rico para permitir que el pueblo de Puerto Rico contribuya al proceso de recuperacin y responsabilice a las agencias de ayuda, dijo el congresista Garca. El ingenio, la iniciativa y la ayuda mutua ya existen en las comunidades de Puerto Rico; ya es hora de que el gobierno federal incluya a la poblacin local y ayude a la isla a recuperarse. Este proyecto de ley es un gran paso en la direccin correcta." La respuesta fallida de la administracin Trump a los huracanes Mara e Irma y su impacto destructivo en Puerto Rico ilustr cun valiosa se… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/democrats-press-trump-administration-on-decision-not-to-pre-order-more-doses-of-pfizer-covid-19-vaccine-need-for-transparent-plan-going-forward | Democrats Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 16, 2020 Democrats Press Trump Administration On Decision Not to Pre-Order More Doses of Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine, Need for Transparent Plan Going Forward [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR), ranking member of the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, in asking Dr. Moncef Slaoui, Chief Advisor of Operation Warp Speed, and General Gustave Perna, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Warp Speed, about recent reports that the Trump Administration declined to purchase additional doses of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. The decision could hinder efforts to launch a nationwide vaccination campaign, as the U.S. will reportedly be unable to purchase additional doses of the vaccine from Pfizer until pre-orders from other countries are filled. In their letter, the Senators express concern about the Trump Administration's lack of planning and transparency, and press for more information about the Administration's preparations to purchase vaccines. We write to you about reports the United States Government declined to exercise its option to purchase additional doses of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine earlier this year. We are concerned the failure to secure an adequate supply of vaccines will needlessly prolong the COVID-19 pandemic in this country, causing further loss of life and economic devastation. We fear this is yet another instance in which the Trump Administration's failure to develop a comprehensive national vaccines plan in a timely manner could jeopardize efforts to get people vaccinated and ultimately end this pandemic, wrote the Senators. To earn public confidence, demonstrate accountability, and ensure the incoming Biden Administration has the information it needs to hit the ground running in getting our COVID-19 response on track, the Administration must be more transparent about its preparat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-discusses-equitable-covid-19-vaccine-distribution-in-virtual-roundtable-with-latinx-community-leaders | Duckworth Discusses Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Virtual Roundtable with Latinx Community Leaders | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 16, 2020 Duckworth Discusses Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution in Virtual Roundtable with Latinx Community Leaders [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) held a virtual roundtable today with Chicago and Illinois leaders and public health experts to discuss the disproportionate public health impact of COVID-19 on the Latinx community. The group discussed plans to equitably distribute a safe vaccine to Latinx communities in Chicago and across Illinois, while also addressing the language and information barriers public health leaders must address to ensure full access. The Latinx community in Chicago and throughout Illinois has been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, which makes outreach, education and implementation of the COVID-19 vaccine all the more important, Duckworth said. I'll keep working with organizations and leaders across the city and state to make sure we can earn trust and increase awareness to keep the Latinx community and all Chicagoans safe. Duckworth was joined by Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Dr. Allison Arwady and Medical Director Dr. Geraldine Luna, Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (D-IL-04), Illinois Deputy Governor Sol Flores, Illinois State Senator Omar Aquino (IL-SD-02) Illinois State Rep. Edgar Gonzalez (IL-HD-21), Chicago Ald. Susan Sadlowski Garza and representatives from Community Organized Relief Effort (CORE) and Latino Policy Forum. Duckworth has been working to ensure states and municipalities are prepared to distribute the COVID-19 vaccines, includingcalling for fundingin any upcoming relief legislation to help with the swift distribution of the vaccine. Duckworth alsocalled forthe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help provide more support to localparticularly rural and underservedcommunities with the cold storage needed to store vaccine supplies. -30- … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-discusses-legislative-priorities-with-newly-elected-illinois-black-caucus-chairs | Duckworth Discusses Legislative Priorities with Newly-Elected Illinois Black Caucus Chairs | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 16, 2020 Duckworth Discusses Legislative Priorities with Newly-Elected Illinois Black Caucus Chairs Duckworth Discusses Legislative Priorities with Newly-Elected Illinois Black Caucus Chairs [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today spoke with Illinois State Rep. Sonya Harper (IL-HD-06), newly-elected chair of the Joint Black Caucus, as well as Illinois State Senator Robert Peters (IL-SD-13), newly elected chair of the Senate Black Caucus. In separate calls, Duckworth discussed with Harper and Peters their legislative priorities for their caucuses in the next year, and how she can provide support from the federal level. I enjoyed my productive conversations today with Representative Harper and Senator Peters about their plans in their upcoming terms, Duckworth said. I look forward to continuing our work together to support and uplift Black communities across Illinois. -30- Print Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-bustos-demand-testing-at-fci-pekin-following-significant-covid-19-outbreak | Duckworth, Durbin, Bustos Demand Testing At FCI Pekin Following Significant COVID-19 Outbreak | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 16, 2020 Duckworth, Durbin, Bustos Demand Testing At FCI Pekin Following Significant COVID-19 Outbreak [PEORIA, IL] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17) have issued a second urgent call for all staff and inmates to immediatelybe tested for COVID-19 at Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Pekin following another significant outbreak at the prison, this time with nearly 330 confirmed cases. As case numbers continue to skyrocket throughout the nation, outbreaks at federal prisons can put inmates, staff and the larger community at risk. As of December 14th, 16 staff and 313 inmates had tested positive for COVID-19 at FCI Pekin. As of December 15th, the number of positive cases had jumped to 353 inmates. In a letter to Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Director Michael Carvajal and Warden Dan Sproul, the lawmakers urged FCI Pekin to test all staff and inmates in order to prevent further spread of the virus. It is unacceptable that staff and inmates are experiencing yet another significant outbreak at FCI Pekin. Clearly, heightened testing and mitigation strategies must be taken to protect staff, inmates and surrounding communities,the lawmakers wrote. This letter follows an earlier call for testing in October, after three staff members and 74 inmates were found positive. A month after receiving the initial letter, BOP informed the lawmakers it would refuse their request to provide full testing. Dense living and working conditions within correctional facilities can lead to rapid and widespread transmission of COVID-19.Senators Duckworth and Durbin andCongresswoman Bustos have previously raised concerns abouttestingand understaffing at USP Thomson. Text of the letter is below and can be found here. December 14, 2020 Dear Director Carvajal and Warden Sproul: We write once again to insist that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) immediately provide on-site COVID-19 testing for all staff and inmates at Federal Correctional Institution … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-discusses-daca-and-immigration-reform-with-fwdus | Durbin Discusses DACA and Immigration Reform with FWD.us | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.20 Durbin Discusses DACA and Immigration Reform with FWD.us WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, today spoke with leaders at FWD.us, a bipartisan political organization focused on immigration and criminal justice reform. Durbin discussed his hopes for comprehensive immigration reform under the Biden-Harris Administration next year. Durbin expressed his gratitude towards millions of immigrants who are essential workers many working in hospitals and other health care settings across the country risking their lives every day as America confronts COVID-19. Where would America be in this crisis without millions of immigrants who are essential workers on the frontlines of this pandemic? Despite being under constant attack from the outgoing President, immigrants have stepped up in our time of need. I am looking forward to working with President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris to finally fix our broken immigration system. It's time to bring millions of hardworking immigrants out of the shadows,Durbin said. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-nearly-15-million-for-illinois-community-health-centers | Durbin, Duckworth Announce Nearly $15 Million for Illinois Community Health Centers | 2020-12-16 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.20 Durbin, Duckworth Announce Nearly $15 Million for Illinois Community Health Centers WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced a total of $14.9 million in federal funding awarded to three Community Health Centers (CHC) throughout Illinois. This funding was awarded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' health center cluster grant program. Every year, Illinois CHCs serve more than 1.4 million Illinoisans, regardless of their ability to pay. Community Health Centers are a vital resource for so many Illinoisans and especially in medically underserved communities that have been hit hard by COVID-19,said Durbin.Senator Duckworth and I will continue to advocate for additional funding to support our health care infrastructure and promote health equity throughout this pandemic and beyond. Throughout this pandemic, underserved communitiesparticularly communities of colorare depending on Community Health Centers for affordable, accessible care,said Duckworth.Even after COVID-19, more than a million Illinoisans will continue to rely on these health centers, and I'm proud to work with Senator Durbin to ensure they have the federal funding and support they need to help those who need it most. The following Illinois health centers will receive funding: Crusader Central Clinic (Rockford): $3,245,256 Erie Family Health Center (Chicago): $3,879,854 SIHF Healthcare (Sauget): $7,829,334 -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-durbin-and-duckworth-ask-state-department-ensure-fair-trial-killing | Casten, Durbin, and Duckworth Ask State Department to Ensure Fair Trial in Killing of Illinoisan Charged with Blasphemy Abroad | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington D.C. - Today, Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06), and U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) sent a letter to Secretary of State Pompeo regarding Pakistan's ongoing trial for the murder of Tahir Ahmad Naseem, an American citizen who had lived in Illinois. Mr. Naseem, a former Ahmadi Muslim, was killed in a Pakistani courtroom in July while facing questionable charges for religious blasphemy. The Congressman and Senators asked the State Department to ensure his alleged killer is brought to trial in a timely fashion and to increase its efforts to bring Pakistan's religious freedom-crushing blasphemy laws to an end. The letter stated, in part: "We are concerned by a recent increase in violence against members of the Ahmadi community in Pakistan, and the silence on these killings by Pakistani leaders. According to press reports from November, there were at least five killings of Ahmadis since July. In addition, we remain concerned about the abuse of Pakistan's colonial-era blasphemy laws to persecute and intimidate religious minorities and others, as well as to settle personal feuds. "We strongly urge the Department to continue to press Pakistani authorities for an expeditious and transparent trial so that justice can be served in the killing of Mr. Naseem. We also hope the Department will continue to encourage Pakistan to reform or repeal its blasphemy laws." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-covid-19-death-toll-passing-300000 | Foster Statement on COVID-19 Death Toll Passing 300,000 | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement on the U.S. COVID-19 death toll passing 300,000 people: "At the same time that we applaud the arrival of the first vaccines for our health care workers, we're reminded of just how deadly this pandemic has been. More Americans have died from COVID-19 than were killed in combat in World War II. The scale of this loss of life and the grief felt by so many families is immense and our thoughts are with everyone who has lost friends or loved ones to this virus. "Thanks to the tireless work of scientists and researchers, vaccines are now being deployed and there is a light at the end of this long tunnel. As we wait for the vaccine to be widely available, we need to remain vigilant about following the advice of doctors and public health experts to save as many lives as possible and help our health care workers. Wear a mask in public, practice social distancing as much as possible, and stay home and call your doctor if you're feeling sick. Let's show our local health care workers that we have their backs." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402561 | Kinzinger Statement on Attack By Russian Hackers | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement in response to reports of a highly sophisticated attack by Russian hackers on several U.S. government agencies and many U.S. companies. share: f t Washington, DC Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement in response to reports of a highly sophisticated attack by Russian hackers on several U.S. government agencies and many U.S. companies: I was shocked and dismayed that initial reports already seem to indicate this Russian offensive operation may be one of the most damaging in the history of our Republic. The compromised technology at issue is used by our military, our civilian agencies, our intelligence community, and most of the Fortune 500. In the wake of this devastating attack, where do we go from here? First and foremost, the company at the center of this disaster must produce an effective and reliable software patch to neutralize the ongoing threats. Thankfully, they have indicated they will have one today. The President must also relinquish his dangerous and foolish veto threat relating to the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill which provides enhanced cyber protections and capabilities to secure our nation. Further, the Speaker and President-Elect must commit to working hand-in-hand with Congressional Republicans to mitigate threats to technology supply chains; and we can start by taking up any of the hundreds of recommendations included in the Report produced by the House China Task Force, on which I served. Beyond that, we must conduct a nation-wide assessment of the public and private sector systems which were compromised, as we cannot repair our networks and our national security posture without one. And finally, we must resolve to exact justice and retribution upon the Russians for these crimes, as well as any others engaging in these attacks against the United States. When it comes to the pervasive threats posed by Russ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-discusses-covid-19-health-disparities-with-vivek-murthy-us-surgeon-general-nominee | Durbin Discusses COVID-19, Health Disparities with Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General Nominee | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.20 Durbin Discusses COVID-19, Health Disparities with Vivek Murthy, U.S. Surgeon General Nominee WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today discussed the COVID-19 pandemic with Dr. Vivek Murthy, President-elect Joe Biden's nominee to be the next U.S. Surgeon General. Murthy previously held the position of Surgeon General during President Barack Obama's second term, and he is expected to take a leading role in Biden's COVID-19 response. Durbin and Murthy spoke about shared priorities for increasing uptake of COVID-19 vaccines, addressing health disparities, including Durbin's Chicago HEAL Initiative and MOMMA Act, and tackling addiction and mental health challenges, including the epidemic of youth e-cigarette use. Our top priority must be stopping COVID-19, which requires broad vaccine distribution, a focus on equity, and elevating trusted leaders for public health guidance. The Surgeon General will play a critical role in supporting the next Administration's efforts to keep Americans healthy, and I'm pleased that President-elect Biden has chosen an experienced nominee like Dr. Murthy,Durbin said. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-time-to-move-past-election-and-help-president-elect-biden-lead | Durbin: Time to Move Past Election and Help President-Elect Biden Lead | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.20 Durbin: Time to Move Past Election and Help President-Elect Biden Lead WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Republican elected officials to honor their oaths of office and uphold our democracy by recognizing Joe Biden and Kamala Harris as President-elect and Vice President-elect. Durbin slammed the last-ditch effort by 17 Republican attorneys general and more than half of the House Republican Caucus joining in a lawsuit and accompanying amicus brief before the Supreme Court, which incredibly argued that the courts should nullify the votes of more than 20 million Americans. Durbin also thanked local election officials who stepped up, spoke truth to power, and carried out their jobs successfully amid efforts from President Trump to overturn the election results in multiple states. The fact that it took six weeks for my colleagues to recognize reality and stop undermining our democratic process is sad and disappointing. When we were sworn in as Members of Congress, we took a simple oath: Support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic It's not an oath to one person, nor one president. It's not conditional if one receives enough angry phone calls. It's not dependent on whether the responsibilities are difficult, and it's certainly not optional if one has to face a more challenging electorate. And yet with the exception of only a few in this Senate chamber, the silence in upholding this oath in the face of President Trump's blatant attempts to undermine our democracy has been overwhelming,Durbin said.I believe we have such a moment here that demands leaders of both parties to carry out their oaths of office and defend our treasured democracy. Quite simply, silence is unacceptable. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-to-mcconnell-bring-the-bipartisan-emergency-covid-relief-legislation-to-the-floor-for-a-vote-this-week | Durbin to McConnell: Bring the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Legislation to the Floor for a Vote this Week | 2020-12-15 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.20 Durbin to McConnell: Bring the Bipartisan Emergency COVID Relief Legislation to the Floor for a Vote this Week WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) to bring the $748 billion, bipartisan COVID-19 emergency relief legislation to the floor for a vote this week. Durbin was part of the bipartisan group that unveiled the emergency relief package yesterday, which includes funding for unemployment insurance, small businesses, vaccine distribution and COVID-19 testing, health care providers, housing and education assistance, and more. Ten of usfive Democrats, five Republicansas well as House members decided three weeks ago that enough was enough. We need to show some leadership and try to work out a compromise between us for another COVID relief package,Durbin said.It has been nine months since we passed what is known at theCARES Acton the floor of the Senate96-0. Overwhelmingly, unanimous, bipartisan decision to spend about $3 trillion not only to fight the pandemic, but to restore our economy we thought that the threat of the pandemic would soon ebb away, but it did not. It wasn't gone in six months. It isn't gone today. In fact, in some places in America, it's worse now than ever so this group of ten have been meeting for three weeks we did produce a work product and one that I think is worthy of consideration immediately on the floor of the Senate. Durbin also discussed the two measures that were not included in the $748 billion packagefunding for state and local governments and Republicans' priority of corporate liability immunity. There were two items that were not included in the base consensus bill because we couldn't reach a consensus on them. State and local government assistance I support completely. I know what the cities, my counties, and what my state have gone through. They need our help. Durbin continued,And finally, the issue of liability and immunity from liability… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garc-jayapal-escobar-ocasio-cortez-chu-and-clarke-join-firm-action | Reps. García, Jayapal, Escobar, Ocasio-Cortez, Chu and Clarke Join FIRM Action in Announcing Roadmap to Freedom Resolution that Achieves a Progressive Vision of a Humane Immigration System Focused on Respect, Dignity, and Family Unity | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON - Representatives Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Veronica Escobar (TX-16), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Judy Chu (CA-27) and Yvette Clarke (NY-09) joined FIRM Actionthe nation's largest immigrant rights networktoday in announcing the Roadmap to Freedom Resolution as a progressive vision to transform the immigration system to one that is focused on dignity and rooted in the needs and lives of impacted people. This immigration reform proposal develops and implements a Roadmap to Freedom by promoting citizenship, protecting and strengthening a fair process centered on family unity, promoting and preserving diversity and establishing a just, humane immigration system. Additionally, it ensures federal immigration agencies are fair and accountable, establishes a humane and effective border policy, recognizes the value of all work and promotes healthy communities. The resolution also promotes social, civil and economic integration while modernizing and strengthening humanitarian pathways to the United States. The resolution addresses root causes of migration as well. U.S. immigration policies are profoundly broken and the Roadmap to Freedom lays out a clear vision for a more fair and humane immigration system, said Congressman Jess "Chuy" Garca. We must reckon with our nation's darkest chapter of separating families and caging children, and instead return to our roots as a country that welcomes and embraces immigrants. I've watched too many families to count, ripped and torn apart in my very own neighborhood and throughout the streets of Chicago. At this moment in history, we are called to restore compassion and dignity in our immigration system and this resolution serves as a roadmap to that brighter, more just future for all. "As a lifelong immigrant rights organizer and one of only 14 naturalized citizens serving in Congress, I know that we must do far more than simply reverse the harmful, xenophobic policies of the Trump Administration that inflicted maximum cruelty on immigrants a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-kildee-davis-lead-75-members-congress-urging-trump-administration-extend | Reps. Kildee, Davis Lead 75 Members of Congress Urging Trump Administration to Extend Unemployment Benefits | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | Millions of Unemployed Could Lose Benefits Without Action by End of Year WASHINGTON—Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, and Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chairman of the Ways and Means’ Worker and Family Support Subcommittee, today sent a letter to President Donald J. Trump urging his administration to extend federal unemployment insurance benefits, which are set to expire at the end of December without action by the White House and U.S. Senate. The letter was signed by 75 additional Members of Congress. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation, a $600 per week supplemental federal unemployment benefit that proved to be a lifeline to millions of Americans throughout the pandemic, expired at the end of July. Without expeditious action, additional direct benefits to workers and supports for employers will expire at the end of the year, including: Up to 13 weeks of additional benefits for those who have exhausted state unemployment; Up to 39 weeks of benefits for workers who are not eligible for state unemployment insurance, including self-employed and gig workers; and Interest-free loans to states to keep their unemployment trust fund solvent and delay unemployment tax increases to employers. The U.S. House of Representatives passed two relief bills—The Heroes Act in May and an updated version of TheHeroes Act in October—to extend critical unemployment provisions. Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate has so far failed to act on these bills. “It is essential that we provide vital unemployment benefits to workers across the country, especially before the unemployment provisions in The FFCRA and The CARES Act expire at the end of December. Cutting off enhanced unemployment benefits while the economy is still in crisis would ignore the millions of Americans who are still suffering. We hope that you will support this measure as soon as possible,” the lawmakers wrote. The letter is endorsed by American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AF… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-28T00:42:23Z |
| https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=402555 | Kinzinger, Cárdenas, Eshoo, Burgess Introduce Legislation to Encourage Investment in Clean Aviation Technology | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | This week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) and three of his House colleagues introduced the ATVM Modernization Act. share: f t WASHINGTON, DC This week, Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Tony Crdenas (D-CA-29), Anna Eshoo (D-CA-18), and Michael Burgess, M.D. (R-TX-26) introduced the ATVM Modernization Act. This legislation would incentivize clean, environmentally friendly aviation technology development by expanding eligibility under the Department of Energy's Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) loan program to include American-made, energy-efficient aircraft. The United States leads the world in research, development, and innovation, but continues to be a net importer of advanced technology products,said Rep. Kinzinger. The Advanced Technology Vehicles Manufacturing (ATVM) program is designed to steer American innovation and ingenuity into real-world manufacturing capabilities, thereby creating jobs and benefiting the environment. While the program has shown success in the past by fueling the advanced automobile manufacturing sectors, it still has billions of dollars in loan authority. It's time to put that money to good use for the next wave of advanced transportation technologies, including those in aviationand that's what our bill aims to do. Climate change is a very real existential threat to our national security and economy, said Rep. Crdenas. We must curb our dependence on dirty fossil fuels and invest in cleaner, efficient technology so that we reduce our carbon footprint. As more and more people rely on air travel, the contribution of aircrafts to global gas emissions will increase at a commensurate rate which is why we must incentivize companies to invest in energy efficient technology. My commonsense bipartisan bill will encourage development of cleaner, fuel-efficient aircrafts. The federal government played a critical role in bringing electric vehicle manufacturing to the U.S., and the ATVM Modernization Act will … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403939 | Central Illinois Leaders Applaud Davis’ Legislation to Commemorate Route 66’s Upcoming Centennial | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | On Tuesday, legislation sponsored by U.S. Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 passed the U.S. House. TheRoute66Centennial Commission Actwill establish a centennial commission in preparation for the 100thanniversary ofRoute66, which begins in Chicago and continues through six other states before ending on the Pacific Coast in California. U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) were also sponsors of the legislation. Central Illinois leaders and Route 66 advocates applauded the passage of the legislation. "Illinois leads the way on Route 66 and I am so pleased to have the Federal government on board with planning for the centennial of the greatest road in the world," said Illinois State Representative Tim Butler. "2026, which will also be the 250th anniversary of our Nation, will bring tremendous interest from around the world to explore the Mother Road. We look forward to welcoming people as they begin--or maybe end--their Route 66 experience in Illinois." Route 66 plays an important factor in Litchfield's economy. Due to Route 66, Litchfield has multiple national name brand hotels, an abundance of restaurants, prominent tourist attractions, and an international Route 66 reputation. Route 66 is the most famous road in the world and has become synonymous with the freedom associated with traveling the open road in the United States of America. It is important to develop a National Route 66 Centennial Commission to celebrate this historic road, generate continued income in Route 66 communities, and preserve Route 66 for future generations. - Steve Dougherty, Mayor of the City of Litchfield U.S. Route 66 or better known as the Mother Road, was one of the original highways in the U.S. Highway System. The highway, which became one of the most famous roads in the United States, originally ran from Chicago through Illinois across the country, ending in Santa Monica, California, covering a total of 2,448 miles. The road is recognized in popula… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=403943 | Davis, LaHood Announce $125,000 Drug-Free Communities Grant to BN Parents | 2020-12-11 | 2020 | 2020-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Representatives Rodney Davis (IL-13) and Darin LaHood (IL-18) today announced that theBN Parentsorganization facilitated by Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. is the recipient of a Drug-Free Communities (DFC) Support Program grant through the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP). The continuing grant award is for the amount of $125,000. Substance abuse is a public health problem across the country, including right here in central Illinois, but fortunately the great staff and volunteers at groups like BN Parents are successfully working to change that, said Rep. Davis. It's great to see BN parents and similar groups receive these grant funds so they can continue their mission and promote healthier communities. BN Parents does great work in the community to deliver an anti-drug and anti-alcohol message to students in Bloomington-Normal, said Rep. LaHood. I am grateful to the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy for awarding these funds, which will enable BN Parents to continue providing important resources to students in central Illinois. Investment in prevention is an investment in our future and under the Trump Administration, that investment is at an all-time high, ONDCP Director Jim Carroll stated. The record support for the DFC program announced by the White House this year will help the people of Bloomington-Normal, promote the evidence-based messages that have been proven to lower illicit substance use among our Nation's youth. BN Parents is a community coalition with a mission of reducing substance use through parent-teen communication on the issue. Additional information can be found atwww.BNParents.org. The DFC Program was developed to support communities as they mobilize individuals and organizations to prevent youth substance use, based on the premise that local problems need local solutions. At a time when the addiction crisis continues to affect communities across the country, DFC-funded coalitions work to reduce the prevalence of past 30-day use for alcohol, tobac… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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