Press releases
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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1,878 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "IL" and year = 2018 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://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-trumps-rollback-of-clean-air-rules-will-harm-childrens-health | Duckworth: Trump’s Rollback of Clean Air Rules Will Harm Children’s Health | 2018-12-29 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 29, 2018 Duckworth: Trump's Rollback of Clean Air Rules Will Harm Children's Health [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rolled back the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Duckworth serves on the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee. The Trump Administration is choosing to continue its attack on the public health of our children and our communities. The evidence is clear: mercury is a toxin that causes learning disabilities, loss of IQ, asthma attacks, heart attacks and premature deaths. By rolling back the lifesaving standards responsible for the dramatic reduction of mercury and other toxins in our air, the Trump Administration has once again abandoned its duty to protect the public health of our babies and our children. I'll keep working to protect the right of every child and every American to breathe clean, healthy air. -30- Print Email Tweet Next Article Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-the-passing-of-tom-weisner | Foster Statement on the Passing of Tom Weisner | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Aurora, IL - "I am deeply saddened to learn that Mayor Tom Weisner passed away. Mayor Weisner led the city through a period of great change and growth, leaving it a more vibrant place to live, work, and play. We are forever indebted to him for his years of public service and leadership as mayor of Aurora. I am grateful to have been able to call him a friend, and I am even more grateful for the counsel he offered me for more than a decade. Tom never forgot the real reason we enter into public service - to improve the lives of the people we represent. Aurora is a better place because of Tom's work, and his legacy will continue to live on in the community he worked to make a better place for the people who call it home. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3754 | Lipinski Lends Support to Innovative National Security Program | 2018-12-28 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON--Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is leading a bipartisan group of lawmakers who are requesting the Department of Defense to include funding for the Hacking for Defense (H4D) program in its FY 2020 budget request. H4D combines the problem-solving techniques learned by members of the military in the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan with Silicon Valley lean business startup methods to teach students how to solve national security challenges. Earlier this month, Lipinski wrote a letter to Michael Griffin, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering, requesting that he support the MD5 National Security Technology Accelerator, which through its university partnerships and collaboration with the H4D program, has helped create a pipeline of new technology and engineering talent focused on national security issues. Fifteen senators and representatives joined Lipinski in requesting funding for the program, which has created more than 900 new applications, concepts, or solutions provided to end-users throughout DOD. H4D delivers solutions directly to the warfighter, supports the rebuilding of U.S. military readiness, and advances the mission of innovation in national security, Lipinski said. We're requesting that the DOD make MD5 a program of record and include funding for it in order to increase innovation in the department's acquisition process and improve U.S. military readiness. H4D is modeled after the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program, which has been teaching scientists and engineers the skills they need to turn their discoveries into commercial products since 2011. As the top Democrat on the Research and Technology Subcommittee of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, Lipinski was an early supporter of the I-Corps program and was responsible for helping it proliferate through the federal government. It has changed how federally funded research is commercialized. Congress has recognized the importance of MD5 by adding more than $50 millio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-president-trump-destabilizing-and-hobbling-economy | Congressman Krishnamoorthi: President Trump Is Destabilizing and Hobbling the Economy for a Border Wall that Mexico was Supposed to Pay for in the First Place | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | legacy | SCHAUMBURG, IL Congressman Krishnamoorthi issued the following statement in response to new developments threatening the nation's and Illinois' economies as a result of the government shutdown predicated on President Trump's demand for a border wall that was supposed to be paid for by Mexico in the first place: President Trump is destabilizing and hobbling an already wobbly economy to fulfill only half of a campaign pledge he has made since 2015. After abandoning a bipartisan budget compromise the Senate passed last week unanimously, the President has shut down the federal government to appeal to a shrinking minority of Americans and right-wing talk show personalities. Instead of having Mexico pay for the border wall as the President has promised since 2015, he is asking for as much as $5 billion from taxpayers for a wall that will not accomplish its stated goal and which most Americans do not want. The President stubbornly keeps pushing for a wall to protect himself from the far right's criticism. America needs enhanced border security using smart technology and border agents treated with respect by not being forced to work without pay during the Christmas holidays. I am calling on President Trump to end the Trump shutdown for the health and stability of our economy. The stock market is in a record freefall, he is attacking the independence of the Federal Reserve, and Treasury Secretary Mnuchin called leading banks in an unsuccessful effort to stabilize the markets, all at a time when working families across the country are relying on a strong economy to start 2019. The Trump shutdown is a self-inflicted wound that puts our economy and these families in jeopardy and that damage will only grow worse if the President drags this shutdown out to January 3rd and into the new Congress. Some 6,200 federal workers in Illinois are being furloughed or forced to work without pay over the Christmas holidays, and tours of the Lincoln Home in Springfield have stopped during the 200th birthday of the State of Illinois. The Pr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3753 | Lipinski Invites Vets to Share Their Stories for Library of Congress' History Project | 2018-12-24 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is asking veterans in the Third District to share their stories so they can be preserved in the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project (VHP). For any veteran that is interested, the Congressman's office will set up a recorded interview at their home or at a local site. The VHP collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of veterans so that current and future generations can better understand the contributions and sacrifices they made. All veterans are invited to call Lipinski's Chicago office at 773-948-6223 for more information or to schedule an interview. At the conclusion of the recorded interview, participants will receive a copy and one will be sent to the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. I encourage all veterans who are able to take advantage of this unique opportunity to share their stories, Rep. Lipinski said. These interviews will be recorded for posterity. Our heroes are not just those we read about in the history books, but every man and woman who has served our nation in uniform. All recorded interviews will be housed in the permanent collections of the Library of Congress. They will be available to researchers, scholars, students, authors, filmmakers, and anyone else visiting the library. For more information, go online tolipinski.house.gov. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-to-end-congressional-perks-during-government | Foster Introduces Legislation to End Congressional Perks during Government Shutdown | 2018-12-23 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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) introduced legislation to close the gym and sauna reserved for Members of Congress during a government shutdown. The Shutdown Prioritization Act (SPA) would prohibit the Architect of the Capitol from operating the Member gym during a government shutdown. During the Trump Shutdown, not only are Members still able to access the taxpayer-funded gym, sauna, and steam room while tens of thousands of federal employees remain furloughed, but janitorial staff are still required to clean the gym and restock it with towels and other "essential items." "President Trump and Congressional Republicans' refusal to pass and sign a clean continuing resolution to reopen government is an abdication of their responsibilities as elected officials. During the Trump Shutdown, however, Republican leadership continues to deem the Congressional spa used by Members of the House of Representatives to be ‘essential.' Speaker Ryan continues to use the gym during this shutdown while federal workers face uncertainty over the holidays. The only essential task Members of Congress have during a government shutdown is negotiating an end to the shutdown," Foster said. "It's time to tell President Trump and Congressional Republicans to end their Congressional perks during a shutdown and focus on getting the government up and running. We need to get federal employees back to work and to provide funding for priorities important to the American people." Congressman Foster is also a co-sponsor of the Federal Employees' Retroactive Pay Fairness Act that would guarantee back pay to federal employees after a government shutdown. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-statement-on-washington-republican-government-shutdown/ | Bustos Statement on Washington Republican Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement after the president and Washington Republicans shut the federal government down: Let's be clear this government shutdown, driven by House Republicans and the president, was completely avoidable. Washington's constant culture of failure and ineffectiveness was on full display this week and families across the Heartland are understandably frustrated. The American people deserve better than relentless dysfunction and politicians who are more interested in scoring political points than executing the basic functions of government. I will continue working to bring both sides together to find solutions and bring the shutdown to an end as quickly as possible. To help veterans, seniors and hardworking families navigate this shutdown, our Congressional office is maintaining operations during this shutdown. We will also continue to inform the public about the shutdown and its impact at www.bustos.house.gov. Many federal agencies will close due to the shutdown. However, Congresswoman Bustos' offices will continue to respond to constituent casework issues and inquiries her offices, listed below, can be reached Monday-Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (aside from Christmas Eve and Christmas). Rock Island Office Phone: (309) 786-3406 Peoria Office Phone: (309) 966-1813 Rockford Office Phone: (815) 968-8011 ANTICIPATED IMPACT OF A FEDERAL SHUTDOWN ADDITIONAL AGENCIES, NOT LISTED, MAY ALSO BE IMPACTED. THIS LIST IS SUBJECT TO UPDATES AND CHANGES The following services will continue during a shutdown: Veterans Health Administration will remain open and continue to provide medical services. Veterans Affairs call centers, hotlines, and regional offices will remain open. Social Security beneficiaries will continue receiving checks. The U.S. Postal Service will keep delivering mail. Medicare and Medicaid claims will continue to be processed. Active military will continue serving. Air traffic controllers, prison guards, TSA agents and border… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-government-shutdown | Foster Statement on Government Shutdown | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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 government shutdown: "In the final days of a Republican-controlled Congress, the Republican Party could not even fulfill its duty to the American people and pass a budget. Unfortunately, the Republican Party and President Trump have failed to stop a shutdown, adding chaos and doubt to our economy and system of governance. It also creates unnecessary uncertainty for hardworking families and businesses right before the holidays. I would support an agreement that funds the government with a clean continuing resolution and that does not waste resources on a border wall. I will be ready and willing to work in the next Congress to pass a long-term budget and fund issues important to the American people, including education initiatives, infrastructure, and protections for people with pre-existing conditions in the Affordable Care Act law." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3751 | Lipinski Announces $2 Million Federal Grant for Metra Train Safety | 2018-12-22 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON--Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) today announced that Metra will receivemore $2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation for implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) safety technology. PTC is a federally mandated computerized system that prevents certain types of train-to-train collisions, helps avoid derailments and other accidents caused by excessive speed, and increases safety for rail workers. This funding is good news for Metra users and every commuter in the Chicago area, said Rep. Lipinski. Representing a district with a large number of rail lines, I have always made safety a top priority on the Railroad Subcommittee. In 2008, I included language in a bill to create the Rail Safety Technology Grant program to help railroads install life-saving PTC more quickly. Last Congress, I joined with Rep. Quigley on a bill to reauthorize the grant program so that Metra could get federal help to install this critical technology. The grant will support Metra's purchase of onboard PTC equipment for recently purchased locomotives. At Congressman Lipinski's meeting with Metra and BNSF earlier this month, Metra CEO Jim Derwinski said some of the delays on the BNSF and other lines could be attributed to the need to update PTC equipment. I'm hopeful this grant money will help alleviate some of the delays and other problems with Metra trains, Lipinski said. I will continue to push my colleagues in Congress to consider a comprehensive infrastructure bill before the end of the year that includes additional dollars to help expedite the implementation of PTC both in the region and across the country. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-announces-nearly-650000-award-for-the-university-of-st-francis | Foster Announces Nearly $650,000 Award for the University of St. Francis | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Joliet, IL – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that the University of St. Francis will receive an award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the amount of $649,677. The funding will be provided through the NSF's Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program and will help support the university with retention and graduation of high-achieving, low-income students with demonstrated financial need. Scholarships will be provided to 12 students from local high schools who are pursuing bachelor's degrees in biology and biochemistry at the University of St. Francis. "Expanding opportunities for students in STEM fields is vital for America's future economic growth," Foster said. "I am pleased that the University of St. Francis will use this award to support local students, especially those from low-income households. A person's zip code or economic background should not be a barrier to their ability to pursue their education. For America to remain a leader in science and innovation, we need to make sure we are doing our best to encourage young people of all backgrounds to work towards degrees in STEM fields and the dynamic career paths that follow." "This grant begins another chapter in USF's long history of success in the STEM fields," said USF President Arvid Johnson. "We have invested heavily in these fields, as recently demonstrated in our new LaVerne and Dorothy Brown Science Hall, which opened this past February. This grant, coupled with our new, state-of-the-art science hall, will help USF to recruit and educate excellent STEM teachers and researchers from our community, who will be prepared to contribute to our world through service and leadership." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-president-trump-has-chosen-take-our-government-brink | Congressman Krishnamoorthi: President Trump Has Chosen To Take Our Government To The Brink Of A Shutdown Which Will Lead To Thousands Of Illinois Workers Being Furloughed During The Christmas Holidays | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Krishnamoorthi released the following in response to the impending shutdown of the federal departments of Justice, Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, State, Interior, Treasury, Commerce, Agriculture, and Homeland Security: President Trump has chosen to take our government to the brink of a shutdown for the third time this year to appeal to the far right, rather than to work for the American people. Because of their reckless games, as many as 6,200 Illinois workers could be furloughed or forced to work without pay over the Christmas holidays. The saddest part of all of this is that this potential shutdown was wholly avoidable. Earlier this week, the Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill which would keep the government open. Rather than bring this bill to the House, where it could have easily passed, Speaker Ryan and President Trump chose to listen to the most extreme voices in their caucus and force a vote on a partisan bill that cannot and will not pass the Senate. Speaker Ryan must allow the House to work it's will and allow a vote on the bipartisan bill that passed the Senate unanimously. There is no more time to waste. We cannot let the American people be held hostage for a border wall that President Trump said Mexico would pay for in the first place. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-statement-on-the-trump-shutdown | Rep. Kelly Statement on the Trump Shutdown | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Robin Kelly, co-chair of the Democratic Budget Working Group, released this statement concerning the Trump Shutdown: I want this Trump Shutdown to end as soon as possible. We need to re-open federal government services and get people back to work quickly. I'm extremely disappointed that a Republican-controlled White House, Senate and House could not fund the government and ensure thousands of federal workers receive Christmas paychecks. Congress must come together and pass comprehensive immigration reform. However, this type of comprehensive reform requires hearings, public comment and negotiations between Members. This cannot be achieved under a manufactured Trump Shutdown that never should have happened. Building a wall is simply a Presidential vanity project that the majority of Americans and nearly all homeland security experts oppose. I'm willing to work with anyone who is serious about ending this Trump Shutdown immediately. This is a manufactured crisis and it must end, now. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-impending-government-shutdown | Schneider Statement on Impending Government Shutdown | 2018-12-21 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement ahead of an impending partial government shutdown, which will begin at midnight: The American people deserve better. President Trump is once again putting politics ahead of the public good and hurting working families with his decision to shut down our government. This is not a game; it has real world consequences. By insisting on an ineffective border wall instead of accepting a reasonable bipartisan funding compromise, the President will force hundreds of thousands of families to go without pay over the holidays and create even more unnecessary economic uncertainty. We are a nation with incredible potential, being limited by our political dysfunction. I urge President Trump and my Republican colleagues to do their duty and end to this self-created crisis. Background: As he did during previous federal government shutdowns, Schneider will return his salary to the U.S. Treasury until funding is restored. He is also a co-sponsor of H.R. 1794, the Hold Congress Accountable Act, which would ensure Members of Congress are not paid during a government shutdown. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-legislation-to-support-gold-star-spouses-passes-u-s-senate-heads-to-presidents-desk/ | Bustos Legislation to Support Gold Star Spouses Passes U.S. Senate, Heads to Presidents Desk | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Yesterday evening, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed Congresswoman Cheri Bustos' (IL-17)Gold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Actto support widows and widowers of fallen soldiers, sending the bill to the President's desk. The bill extends residential leasing protections to surviving spouses of servicemembers killed in the line of duty. The language of this legislation was included in a bipartisan package of bills to help veterans and their families, theVeterans Benefits and Transition Act, which is what ultimately passed the Senate. When I first heard from Kylie about this issue, I knew we needed to act families of our fallen heroes have already sacrificed so much for our country, and we ought to do everything in our power to make sure grieving spouses receive the support and protections they deserve,Congresswoman Bustos said. By working across the aisle, we were able to make real progress for families and Gold Star spouses like Kylie. After my husband was killed in Afghanistan, all I wanted was to move my children back home to Illinois to be closer to our family. But my landlord wouldn't allow me to break my lease without paying excessive penalties a costly burden no person should have to bear after losing a spouse in combat,said Kylie Riney, a Gold Star spouse from Farmington, Illinois.This legislation would make sure nobody has to experience what I did after losing Doug and, I want to thank Congresswoman Bustos for not only listening to my concerns but for getting results and turning this idea into law. American veterans and their families will be better off because of her efforts. TheGold Star Spouses Leasing Relief Actwas inspired by Kylie Riney, whose husband Sergeant Douglas J. Riney tragically died defending our country in Afghanistan. Kylie and her two young children, who were living in Texas due to Sgt. Riney's assignment to Fort Hood prior to deployment, chose to move back to their home state of Illinois as they mourned his passing. While trying to make the best decision for her family, Kyl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/u-s-house-passes-bustos-bipartisan-legislation-to-improve-local-water-infrastructure/ | U.S. House Passes Bustos Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Local Water Infrastructure | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Peoria Applauds Bustos' Work on Behalf of Community, Plans to Leverage Program to Create Jobs WASHINGTON Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, applauded House passage of the bipartisan Water Infrastructure Improvement Act she helped introduce. This legislation formalizes the process for communities to create integrated plans for water infrastructure improvements. Additionally, her legislation encourages green infrastructure development, paving the way for cities like Peoria to address combined sewer overflow through investments in modern, environmentally-sound infrastructure. With an aging water infrastructure, it is more important than ever to make the necessary investments in the long-term health and well-being of our communities, Congresswoman Bustos said. By making commonsense changes to how we modernize and invest in our water infrastructure, we can set up communities to succeed for the future. I'm glad that innovative cities such as Peoria will be able to leverage this program to revitalize our community to generate good-paying, green jobs. The City of Peoria is delighted that the House of Representatives passed the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act today, and we thank our Congresswoman, Cheri Bustos, for her leadership on this legislation, said Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis.Peoria has made green infrastructure the cornerstone of its program to reduce combined sewer overflows, revitalize City neighborhoods, and generate local green jobs.Notably, Peoria will be the first city to employ a 100% green infrastructure solution to combined sewer overflows. This bill will promote the use of green infrastructure in all EPA permitting and enforcement activities, and would require agency coordination with local governments. We appreciate that Congresswoman Bustos understands these priorities. After passing the House, the legislation now heads to the U.S. Senate. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-danny-k-davis-statement-supporting-hr-7227-taxpayer-first-act | Congressman Danny K. Davis Statement Supporting H.R. 7227, the Taxpayer First Act | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | WASH, DC - Congressman Davis released the following statement in support of the Taxpayer First Act, "I applaud Representatives Lewis, Neal, Jenkins and Brady for leading the Taxpayer First Act that prioritizes taxpayer needs. In particular, I commend your leadership to protect low-income individuals and families from private debt collectors. I was deeply disturbed by the report of the Taxpayer Advocate that found that Private Debt Collection enforcement increased the profits of debt collectors at the expense of the disabled, retirees, and impoverished counter to IRS policy and decency. I thank you for including my bill with Mr. Curbelo to permanently authorize the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program – or VITA. The VITA program provides high-quality tax help to hard-working families so they can keep more of their hard-earned money. It offers free tax services to people who make less than 250 percent of the poverty level and to underserved taxpayers, including persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers. It is a prime example of smart federal investment because each federal dollar is matched by the private sector. The Taxpayer First Act also includes many other long-overdue improvements to the IRS, and I thank Ranking Member Lewis and Chairman Jenkins for their leadership." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/davis-against-department-agriculture-snap-proposal | Davis Against the Department of Agriculture SNAP Proposal | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | WASH, DC - Congressman Danny K. Davis today denounced in the strongest terms a new proposal from the Department of Agriculture to slash food support for hundreds of thousands of low income Americans by executive action in defiance of bi-partisan work and consensus in Congress, both the House and the Senate, to avoid any such cut backs. It has been repeatedly demonstrated that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), is our nation's most effective anti-hunger program. The House and Senate included policies in the recently passed 2018 farm bill, which will not include stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients, as advocated by House Republicans and President Trump. Between 800,000 and 1.1 million households would have had their food stamp benefits cut, according to Mathematica Policy Research. Today the Department of Agriculture announced a regulatory proposal to circumvent the will of Congress and expand work requirements for those in the SNAP program. The proposed rule change makes it harder for states to waive work requirements in areas that have high unemployment. Davis stated, “Hunger in America remains a reality. Almost 1 in 8 Americans don’t have enough to eat because of a lack of money. Households with children are especially hard hit. The current food insecurity rate remains higher than before the Great Recession according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I denounce and oppose this cruel, heartless, senseless proposal from the Trump Administration and will work with my colleagues in the House to prevent the adoption of the rule.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-support-for-criminal-justice-reform-bill | Foster Statement on Support for Criminal Justice Reform Bill | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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) announced his support for the First Step Act: "I am proud to vote for this legislation that is a good first step in reforming our criminal justice system. This legislation will go a long way to reduce recidivism and ensure that individuals who have served their time can re-enter society successfully. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of Senator Dick Durbin and Congresswoman Robin Kelly that made this bipartisan bill a success. I am proud that the Illinois delegation has taken the lead in this important fight to reform our criminal justice system." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-on-passage-of-house-continuing-resolution | Rush Statement on Passage of House Continuing Resolution | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), released the following statement on the passage of H.R. 695, the Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019: The President of the United States lied to the American people when he campaigned on the farce that Mexico would pay for the wall. Now he is attempting to force taxpayers to fund his immoral, expensive, and ineffective border wall. House Republican Leadership should be embarrassed that they have caved to the demands of an incompetent, irrational, and ignorant President. Instead, they have pursued a process that will trigger a government shutdown by sending a radical bill back to the Senate that they know will not pass. House Republicans should not be allowed to hold our government hostage simply because they are afraid of what Fox News will say about their actions. History will judge these feckless Republicans who are steering our nation right into Trump's Shutdown. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=3784 | Schakowsky Statement on the USDA Waiver Rule | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a member of the House Hunger Caucus and Democratic Whip's Task Force on Poverty, Income Inequality, and Opportunity, released the following statement on the Trump Administration's proposed rule for stricter work requirements for SNAP recipients. Just one week after Congress passed a Farm bill that maintained funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Trump Administration has issued a proposed rule that would cut benefits for hundreds of thousands of people who rely on the program. Taking food out of the mouths of hungry Americans is far from the Christmas spirit and American values. This rule would strip states of the right to apply for a waiver for work requirements if jobs are not available and unemployment is high. Republicans in Congress failed to garner enough support for that disastrous work requirement in the Farm bill, so the President has taken another route to act unilaterally. This rule would absolutely increase food insecurity and affect up to 755,000 people. This is just another reminder that this Administration does not care about the American people. They don't care about workers who make poverty wages with inconsistent hours and must rely on SNAP to feed their families. They don't care about the thousands of seniors or disabled people who cannot work and rely on SNAP to survive. And they certainly don't care about the 1 in 6 children who are food insecure and would be affected by this senseless move. The Administration claims that this is about the dignity of work', when this is clearly about Republicans that are hell bent on punishing the poor. These are not freeloaders, they are our fellow Americans asking for help. This is not the America that I know, and I will not sit by while President Trump attempts to rob people of a basic human need. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-criminal-justice-reform-legislation-passage | Statement on Criminal Justice Reform Legislation Passage | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement following House passage of the First Step Act, a sweeping bipartisan criminal justice reform package that now heads to President Trump's desk: Today, Congress passed truly significant legislation, tackling a politically-thorny issue in a bipartisan way to make progress for the American people. We are long overdue to reform our criminal justice system. Today's legislation is an important first step, and one I was proud to support in the Judiciary Committee. In particular, I am glad the final legislation grants judges greater leeway when enforcing mandatory minimums, reduces the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, and invests in job training and drug treatment to help inmates re-integrate into society and lower recidivism. More broadly, this legislation demonstrates what is possible when Members of Congress put aside partisan differences and are willing to compromise for the greater good. In the new year and new majority, I hope we can build on this spirit of cooperation to tackle other pressing challenges facing our nation from infrastructure to immigration to health care. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-withdrawal-american-troops-syria | Statement on Withdrawal of American Troops in Syria | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement following President Trump's announcement that he will withdraw American forces from Syria: I am profoundly concerned by President Trump's abrupt announcement of a withdrawal of all American forces from Syriait is premature and leaves our objectives in the region dangerously incomplete. A successful mission in Syria, as outlined by the President's own Administration and military leaders, means the enduring defeat of ISIS, a political solution to the civil war, and the exit of Iranian forces and affiliated proxy militias from Syria. Instead, American withdrawal will create a vacuum that will allow ISIS to regroup and strengthen, whileopening the path for greater Russian and Turkish influence. It will leave our allies, especially the Syrian Democratic Forces who helped us put down ISIS, without support, and make it significantly harder to foster the conditions for a political resolution of the war. And without an American presence, Iran is more likely to achieve a land bridge to the Mediterranean, and continue its deadly support for terrorist proxy groups that threaten our key regional allies, in particular Israel, We all share the desire to fully defeat ISIS, end the civil war in Syria, and thwart Iran's nefarious influence. Unfortunately, the President's approach will more likely push each of these objectives further out of reach. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-and-durbin-join-senate-democrats-in-urging-trump-administration-to-reverse-course_defend-affordable-care-act-in-court | Duckworth & Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Urging Trump Administration to Reverse Course & Defend Affordable Care Act in Court | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 20, 2018 Duckworth & Durbin Join Senate Democrats in Urging Trump Administration to Reverse Course & Defend Affordable Care Act in Court U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) and 46 of their colleagues today in urging the Trump Administration and the Department of Justice to immediately request a stay of a Judge's recent decision in Texas v. United States to strike down the entirety of the Affordable Care Act. If that decision stands, tens of millions of Americans will lose their health insurance, healthcare costs will rise, and health insurers will once again be allowed to discriminate against the 133 million Americans who have a pre-existing condition. We are writing to express our serious concerns with the decision and to reiterate our strong objection to the Department of Justice's refusal to defend the law of the land. If the ruling stands, nearly every American's health care will be affected. The human cost of this decision is profound, the Senators wrote in a letter to President Donald Trump. The Affordable Care Act is, quite simply, the law of the land, and it is your Administration's duty to defend it. We urge you to reverse course and direct the Department of Justice to defend the law of the land and pursue a stay of this decision. Millions of Americans are relying on you. In addition to Duckworth, Durbin and Manchin, the letter was signed by Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tom Carper (D-DE), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), Kamala Harris (D-CA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Tom Udall (D-NM), Ed Markey (D-MA), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Jack Reed (D-RI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Martin Heinrich (D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-pens-op-ed-for-the-washington-post-im-a-combat-veteran-we-cannot-allow-our-country-to-be-turned-into-a-war-zone | Duckworth Pens Op-Ed For the Washington Post: I’m a Combat Veteran. We Cannot Allow Our Country to Be Turned into a War Zone | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 20, 2018 Duckworth Pens Op-Ed For the Washington Post: I'm a Combat Veteran. We Cannot Allow Our Country to Be Turned into a War Zone [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Reflecting on the recent anniversary of the Sandy Hook massacre, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) wrote an op-ed for today's Washington Post about how her experiences as someone who comes from a long line of combat Veterans have shaped her perspective on our nation's gun violence epidemic. Duckworth discusses how senseless it is that semi-automatics similar to those that U.S. servicemembers carry around Fallujah are still casually sold to teenagers and how our streets have become deadlier than war zones, with more Americans killed by gun violence over the past 50 years than in every war in American history combined. Duckworth wrote: I can't even begin to comprehend how after Newtown and Charleston, Orlando and Las Vegas, Parkland and Pittsburgh, nothing has changed. You can still just walk into a gun show then leave a few minutes later with a weapon in hand without undergoing a background check. You'd never find such a casual approach to weapons in the military. There's a reason, despite all their differences, Green Berets and teachers and lieutenants and parents marched side-by-side at last spring's March for Our Lives. It's because each of them knows that something's wrong when kids walk into school every morning unsure if they're entering a combat zone. We cannot become numb to this: This is murder mass murder that we've somehow simply accepted as the new norm. Well, to hell with the status quo if that means our children could be murdered in art class. I went to Iraq because I felt it my duty to be there. I chose to risk my life, to be shot at, to serve this country. These kids didn't. A full copy of the op-ed is below: The Washington Post: I'm a combat veteran. We cannot allow our country to be turned into a war zone. Josephine Gay loved to spend her summers running her own lemonade… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/houses-passes-bipartisan-duckworth-kennedy-durbin-legislation-to-help-veteran-owned-small-businesses-succeed | Houses Passes Bipartisan Duckworth-Kennedy-Durbin Legislation to Help Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Succeed | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 20, 2018 Houses Passes Bipartisan Duckworth-Kennedy-Durbin Legislation to Help Veteran-Owned Small Businesses Succeed Legislation Now Heads to President's Desk to Be Signed into Law [WASHINGTON, D.C.] The U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation today that was introduced by U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), John Kennedy (R-LA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) to help Veteran entrepreneurs grow their small businesses, create jobs and expand economy opportunity. The Veterans Small Business Enhancement Act, which unanimously passed the Senate two weeks ago, would allow Veteran small business owners to acquire equipment and personal property that the federal government no longer has a use for by adding Veterans to the list of eligible recipients for federal surplus personal property, which already includes women and minority small business owners as well as Veterans Service Organizations. Having passed both chambers of Congress, the legislation now heads to the President's desk. When our Veterans return home from their service, they deserve our full support as they transition back into civilian life, and that includes supporting their efforts to build and manage a small business,said Duckworth.Our nation should be doing much more to help our Veterans and I'm pleased Congress has overwhelmingly passed our bipartisan bill to help Veterans expand their business operations, reduce costs and create jobs across Illinois and around the country. I'm thrilled we were able to work with members on both sides of the aisle to send this legislation to the President's desk. All veterans deserve our utmost respect and support after they return home, said Sen. Kennedy. Adjusting back to civilian life can be challenging, and as policy makers, we should try to make the transition as seamless and painless as possible. As Americans, we should support and encourage those veterans… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-dem-senators-press-devos-to-provide-full-student-loan-discharges-to-former-itt-tech-students | Durbin, Dem Senators Press DeVos To Provide Full Student Loan Discharges To Former ITT Tech Students | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Durbin, Dem Senators Press DeVos To Provide Full Student Loan Discharges To Former ITT Tech Students Senators' letter follows court approval of claim benefitting students in ITT Tech bankruptcy WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Jack Reed (D-RI),Tammy Baldwin (D-WI),and Maggie Hassan (D-NH)today sent a letter to Secretary of Education Betsy DeVoscalling forfull federal student loan discharges for former ITT Tech (ITT)studentborrowersdefrauded by thenow-defunctschool.The Department of Education has failed to meet its responsibility to continue processing borrower defense discharges for defrauded ITT borrowers who are entitled to relief. Enough is enough. It's time for ITT students to receive the federal student loan relief to which they are entitled. We call on you to end the delay and immediately grant full federal student loan discharges to the cheated and defrauded ITT borrowers with pending borrower defense claims,the Senators wrote. Last month, a federal judgerecognizeda $1.5 billion claim by students in the bankruptcy proceedings based on the company's violations of consumer protection laws. The settlement also forgave $600 million in private student loan debt owed to ITT and refunded $3 million in student payments previously made to the company. In 2016, ITTcollapsedafter years of misconduct and misleading students, shuttering 130 campuses and declaring bankruptcy. Its failure affected nearly 45,000 students, including more than 6,000 veterans saddling them with high levels of student debt and little hope for repaying it. The Department last reported on May 1, 2018, thatmore than13,000 pending claims from ITT borrowers remain unprocessed. That number has undoubtedly grown in the following months.Through theHigher Education Act, Congress created a me… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-shaheen-murphy-schumer-members-press-us-ambassador-to-hungary-on-democratic-backsliding- | Durbin, Shaheen, Murphy, Schumer, Members Press U.S. Ambassador To Hungary On Democratic Backsliding | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Durbin, Shaheen, Murphy, Schumer, Members Press U.S. Ambassador To Hungary On Democratic Backsliding WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ed Markey (D-MA), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT) today pressed the United States Ambassador to Hungary about their mounting concern over democratic backsliding in Hungary, including the most recent forced expulsion of the Central European University (CEU). The CEU enjoys considerable bipartisan support in Congress given its commitment to open society and critical thinking in a former Soviet Bloc nation still consolidating its democratic gains. This petty and counterproductive move by the Hungarian government comes on the heels of increased intimidation and shrinking of the country's free press. While we appreciate the challenge of engaging the Viktor Orban regime, such moves by his government are antithetical to key American democratic values and international norms and do not go unnoticed in the United States Congress, the members wrote in a letter to Ambassador Cornstein. The last few years have seen deeply troublingly and brazen efforts to undermine the country's judiciary as well as access to independent media in Hungary. Just recently, more than a dozen owners gave 400 news websites, newspapers, television channels, and radio stations to a front group run by Orban loyalists. The members also expressed concern over Hungary's seeming leanings toward Moscow, including its refusal to extradite to the U.S. two Russians wanted for selling arms to drug cartels and harboring of pro-Russian, ex-Macedonian prime minister Nikola Gruevski, a fugitive facing prison at home over corruption charges. Full text of the letter is available here and below: December 20, 2018 Dear Ambassador Cornstein: We write to express our mounting concern over democratic backsliding in Hungary, including the most recent force… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-senate-passage-of-continuing-resolution- | Durbin Statement On Senate Passage Of Continuing Resolution | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Durbin Statement On Senate Passage Of Continuing Resolution WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement on the Senate's passage of the Continuing Resolution, which will fund the seven Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bills not yet enacted through February 8, 2019: It is unfortunate that President Trump's demand for a border wall from sea to shining sea has held up seven appropriations bills that have been debated and passed out of committee on a bipartisan basis. I'm glad this didn't end in an unnecessary government shutdown, but stopgap spending bills are no way to run a country. President Trump must drop his unrealistic demand for a medieval border wall and work with Congress to enact commonsense border security. The seven Fiscal Year 2019 appropriations bills not yet enacted include: Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies; Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Financial Services and General Government; Homeland Security; Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies; State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs; and Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies. -30- Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-illinois-farmers-to-take-steps-to-curb-impacts-of-climate-change | Durbin Urges Illinois Farmers To Take Steps To Curb Impacts Of Climate Change | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Durbin Urges Illinois Farmers To Take Steps To Curb Impacts Of Climate Change Senator sends letters to Illinois' major farm groups asking them to review new National Climate Assessment, heed warnings contained in the report WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) sent letters today to the IllinoisFarm Bureau, Illinois Soybean Association, and Illinois Corn Growers Association urging each group to review theFourth National Climate Assessment, and heed the warnings contained in the report about the impacts climate changewill haveon farming in Illinois. Durbin urged the farmers to take steps outlined in the report to help mitigate theeffectsofshifting climate and weather patterns such as more frequent extreme weather events, increased rainfall, and hotter temperatures in the growing season could have on farming. Durbin will join the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry for the 116th Congress next year. The changes outlined in the report are projected to decrease yields for corn from 5 percent to 25 percent and result in more than a 25 percent reduction in soybean yields by 2050 in the southern portions of the Midwest. More intense heat waves, extreme rains, and drought are projected to reduce yields of all crops in the region. Rainfall levels will continue to increase, creating issues with runoff, soil quality, and our waterways,Durbin wrote.I hope that you will carefully and objectively review the findings of this report and encourage your farmers and members throughout the state to meet this challenge head on by taking steps to mitigate these issues. I stand ready to help you in this effort. Our farms are an essential part of our state and our Illinois life style. We all should work together to ensure that farming has a bright future. Agriculture is key to the success of Illinois' economy, generating more than $19 billion annually.More than75 percent of the state'slands are used for… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/illinois-congressional-delegation-supports-disaster-assistance-for-taylorville-tornado-recovery- | Illinois Congressional Delegation Supports Disaster Assistance For Taylorville Tornado Recovery | 2018-12-20 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.18 Illinois Congressional Delegation Supports Disaster Assistance For Taylorville Tornado Recovery WASHINGTON The entire Illinois Congressional Delegation today sent a letter of support for Governor Bruce Rauner's request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration for Christian County, Illinois,as a result of a tornado that touched down on December 1, 2018. The damage assessment conducted this month by the SBA found that 33 homes and one business incurred major damage as a result of the tornado in Christian County. The economic impact on the community as a result of damaged businesses and residences is dire, and the demand for state and local government resources for emergency response and the repair of public property is extraordinary. Taking care of the needs of the people and assisting them in recovery is of utmost importance. The Governor seeks timely federal assistance from the SBA,the members wrote. The letter of support was signed by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Bobby Rush (D-IL-01), Robin Kelly (D-IL-02), Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Luis Gutierrez (D-IL-04), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), Peter Roskam (R-IL-06), Danny Davis (D-IL-07), Raja Krishnamorthi (D-IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL-09), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Bill Foster (D-IL-11), Michael Bost (R-IL-12), Rodney Davis (R-IL-13), Randy Hultgren (R-IL-14), John Shimkus (R-IL-15), Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16), Cheri Bustos (D-IL-17), and Darin LaHood (R-IL-18). Full text of the letter is availablehere and below: December 20, 2018 Dear Administrator McMahon: We are writing in support of Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner's request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Disaster Declaration for Christian County in Illinois as a result of a tornado that touched down on December 1, 2018. An EF-3 tornado touched down in Christian Countyone of 29 to touch down in Illinois that day, a state record for Decemberand caused significant damage to property and injuri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/guti-rrez-asks-public-s-help-identifying-suspect-security-incident-today | Gutirrez Asks Publics Help in Identifying Suspect in Security Incident Today at his Chicago Office | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Rep. Luis V. Gutirrez (D-IL) released a video shot by one of his Chicago staffers of a security incident that took place today in the office of the retiring Congressman in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. A man entered the office today at about 2:00 pm CT, passed through the office lobby and into the first individual office of the Congressman's Chicago Congressional Office. The man identified himself as a precinct captain for Chicago City Councilman Ariel Reboyas (30th Ward). As two videos shot by the Congressman's staff and posted to Facebook show, the man proceeded to yell, curse, and insult the Congressman's staff, even going as far as to throw items around the office and at the Congressman's staff. The man left the office, but then came back to threaten the staff some more, as the second video shows. First Video: https://www.facebook.com/RepGutierrez/videos/298397997536116/ Second Video: https://www.facebook.com/RepGutierrez/videos/316024378998865/ In posting the videos on his Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/RepGutierrez/), Rep. Gutirrez said: This is battery, as the police report I filed with the Chicago Police Department indicatesPlease help us identify the individual who came into my office, assaulted my colleagues, cursed them and threatened us. The Congressman added later on Facebook that he had talked to the Chicago Police Department who assured him that detectives were already on the case to determine who the man is. The Congressman wrote on Facebook: This is outrageous. To assault federal workers in my office who are serving the constituents of the Fourth District is uncalled for. It is emblematic of the fact that some people feel it is OK to behave this way in politics these days. I am grateful to the Chicago Police Department for investigating this incident and bringing this thug to face charges. The Congressman is asking anyone who knows the identity of the individual to please comment on the Congressman's Facebook page, call the Congressman's Chicago office or… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-calls-new-sanctions-assad-regime-reports-emerge-its | Congressman Krishnamoorthi Calls For New Sanctions On Assad Regime As Reports Emerge Of Its Execution Of Layla Shweikani, A 26-Year-Old Humanitarian Aid Worker From Chicago | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. Congressman Krishnamoorthi released the following statement regarding the Assad regime's reported execution of Layla Shweikani, a 26-year-old Chicago-native providing humanitarian relief to Syrian civilians who died in the regime's custody on December 28, 2016: I offer my sincerest condolences to the family of Layla Shweikani as it confronts these new details of her death at the hands of Bashar al Assad's regime. Ms. Shweikani was a dedicated humanitarian who followed that commitment into some of the most dangerous places in the world and lost her life amid the war crimes committed by Assad's regime that is backed by Russia and Iran. It is imperative that the United States responds to Ms. Shweikani's death, and those of so many other innocent victims, by imposing new sanctions on Assad and his supporters. The House has already passed the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act to implement this policy, and I urge my colleagues in the Senate to swiftly take up this legislation and pass it. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-calls-for-firing-of-mark-zuckerberg | Rush Calls for the Firing of Mark Zuckerberg | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) called on Facebook's Board of Directors to immediately terminate Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg and any other executives who have been involved in the unprecedented level of negligence resulting in the data privacy breaches, brazen lies before Congress, and collusion with a hostile foreign power: Enough is enough. Every morning, we seem to find another story detailing Facebook's negligence and outright disregard for its users. Every story continues to further erode the trust between Facebook and the American people. The ongoing and expanding level of privacy infractions at Facebook is beyond comparison. This company and its executives have continued to deliberately take advantage of consumers and misuse their information. Last April, when Mark Zuckerberg testified before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I heard him emphatically and repeatedly tell us that the only time Facebook shares information about its users is when they consent to it. There is not a single Facebook user who knowingly consented to having their private messages read, edited, and even deleted. Based on the reporting we have seen this week, it is now clear to me that Mr. Zuckerberg knowingly lied to Congress. The American people are tired of the excuses, the lies, and the deliberate evasion. It is utterly appalling that we are only presented with the truth when it has been exposed. Facebook is one of the world's most innovative companies. It is highly implausible its leadership repeatedly fail to understand their own policies of consent and the ways in which their product has been and continues to be manipulated and weaponized. Mark Zuckerberg sat in his Menlo Park office and watched a hostile foreign power interfere with our democracy, manipulate African-Americans with propaganda and lies, and, ultimately, suppress voter turnout. He no longer deserves the privilege of leading one of America's great success stories. I am angered that his own g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=3783 | Schakowsky statement on being named Senior Chief Deputy Whip | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky released the following statement after being named a Senior Chief Deputy Whip by House Majority Whip-elect James Clyburn: What an honor. I am proud and humbled to be named as Senior Chief Deputy Whip alongside my friend and hero John Lewis, and to be appointed to this position by none other than the great Rep. Jim Clyburn. I am excited to once again join the House Democratic leadership team to represent Midwestern progressive values and fight to make sure the priorities of the American people pass the House as we enter the majority. I know that our Whip team, with the exemplary leadership of Reps. Wasserman Schultz, Butterfield, Welch, Sewell, Jackson Lee, Kildee, Aguilar, and Cuellar, will be able to deliver on our promises to the American people. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trump-administrations-new-strategy-to-address-lead-poisoning | Duckworth Statement on Trump Administration’s New Strategy to Address Lead Poisoning | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2018 Duckworth Statement on Trump Administration's New Strategy to Address Lead Poisoning [WASHINGTON D.C.] In response to the Trump Administration's release of a new federal strategy to address the risk of lead poisoning, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement. Duckworth, the top Democrat on the Senate Fisheries, Wildlife and Water Subcommittee, has been outspoken about the need to reduce exposure to lead poisoning and has been a leader in Congress on this issue, having introduced many pieces of legislation to eliminate lead in America's drinking water. It's unacceptable that in the wealthiest nation in the world, many families can get sick by drinking the water in their own homes and children can get poisoned from drinking the water in their schools because the requirements to check for lead in water aren't in place to protect them,Duckworth said.It's been 4 years since the Flint Water Crisis shocked the nation. There should have been a comprehensive strategy in place to address this sooner and I urge the Administration to also implement a strong, enforceable lead and copper rule as soon as possible so we can ensure every family in America has access to clean and safe drinking water no matter where they live or how much money they have. Before the Administration released their strategy today, Duckworth and Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) wrote to several Trump Administration cabinet officials in August requesting them to quickly complete it after reports indicated it would be released by June, 2018. Duckworth recently introduced the bipartisan Get the Lead Out of Assisted Housing Act of 2018 with Senator Todd Young (R-IN) and Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI) to protect families living in assisted housing from lead found in drinking water by requiring the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to inspect for lead in service lines and plumbing and creating a grant program to test for lead in the drinking water at child care centers, schoo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-urges-senate-to-finally-give-blue-water-vietnam-veterans-the-health-care-theyve-earned | Duckworth Urges Senate to Finally Give “Blue Water” Vietnam Veterans the Health Care They’ve Earned | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2018 Duckworth Urges Senate to Finally Give Blue Water Vietnam Veterans the Health Care They've Earned [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) delivered a speech on the Senate floor today detailing the grave injustice that has been done to the nearly 90,000 Blue Water Vietnam Veterans who are currently unable to receive the health care needed to treat diseases linked to wartime Agent Orange exposure. Duckworth called on her fellow Senators to right this wrong by passing without delay the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act, which is already co-sponsored by a majority of the Senate. Video of the speech is available here. We made a promise to these Veterans: fight for us overseas, then we'll fight for you when you get back home; when you step back onto U.S. soil, we'll bandage the wounds you earned in combat, making sure you never feel that you sacrificed in vain, Duckworth said. I'm ashamed to say that that promise has been broken. It's long past time we pass legislation ensuring these heroes aren't left in pain before even one more dies a preventable death on our watch. A full copy of Duckworth's remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Right now, tens of thousands of American heroes are sufferingeven dyingwhile some folks in government are looking the other way, refusing to heed their calls for help. Our Blue Water Veterans answered the call when their nation needed them in the thick of the Vietnam War: They left their loved ones boarded ships fought the Viet Kong risking their lives hours after hour, day after day, in service to the country they loved. We made a promise to them: fight for us overseas, then we'll fight for you when you get back home. When you step back onto U.S. soil, we'll bandage the wounds you earned in combat, making sure you never feel that you sacrificed in vain. I'm ashamed to say that that promise has been broken. For more than a decade now, our government has refused to give them the health care and disabilit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-announce-2-million-for-positive-train-control | Durbin, Duckworth Announce $2 Million For Positive Train Control | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.18 Durbin, Duckworth Announce $2 Million For Positive Train Control WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced a total of $2,058,163 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for the implementation of Positive Train Control (PTC) safety technology on Metra railroads. PTC is a federally mandated computerized system that prevents certain types of train-to-train collisions, helps avoid derailments and other accidents caused by excessive speed, and increases safety for rail workers. Implementing PTC is vitally important to ensuring that our railroads have the highest level of safety for millions of riders and workers in Illinois and around the country. This technology will save lives, Durbin said. With Chicago being the largest hub in the railroad industry, Senator Duckworth and I will continue working to ensure that our rail agencies have the federal resources needed to ensure safe and reliable transportation. I'm proud to announce today's federal investments that will improve the Chicagoland rail system's safety and reliability,Duckworth said. PTC technology will save lives and protect rail workers, and I'll keep working alongside Senator Durbin to help ensure it is implemented on every railway in Illinois and throughout the country. Under this announcement, Commuter Rail Division of the Regional Transportation Authority (Metra) will receive funding to implement PTC for rail lines across the six-county Northeast Illinois region comprised of Lake, McHenry, Kane, Cook, DuPage, and Cook Counties. -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-praises-passage-of-the-first-step-act- | Durbin Praises Passage Of The First Step Act | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.18 Durbin Praises Passage Of The First Step Act Senate passed First Step Act last night by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 87-12 WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, todaythanked his colleagues for their support of the revised First Step Act, bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation which passed the Senate last night by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 87-12. Last month, Durbin, along with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the First Step Act, which combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which was authored by Durbin and Grassley and passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in February by a vote of 16-5. I think we showed something last night which most American people wouldn't have believed that a bipartisan group of Senators from across the political spectrum could tackle one of the toughest political issues of our day, assemble an array of support left, right, and center from members of the Senate as well as organizations devoted to law enforcement as well as civil rights, and at the end of it have something we all felt was a fair product to send over to the House, which I hope will act on this very quickly, Durbin said. It is, however, the first step. We've got to start thinking about the second step. And we need the help of all of our colleagues when shaping that. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate Floor are availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate Floor is availablehere. The First Step Act is backed by a number of law enforcement groups, including the nation's largest … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-landmark-criminal-justice-reform- | Senate Passes Landmark Criminal Justice Reform | 2018-12-19 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.18 Senate Passes Landmark Criminal Justice Reform First Step Act approved by vote of 87-12 WASHINGTON The Senate tonight passed once-in-a-generation reforms to America's prison and sentencing system to reduce recidivism, save taxpayer dollars, and promote safe communities. The bipartisan First Step Act, introduced by Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), uses evidence-based recidivism reduction programs to help inmates successfully return to society after serving their sentence. It also reduces some sentences for certain low-level, nonviolent offenders while preserving important law enforcement tools to tackle criminal enterprises. The bill was approved by a vote of 87-12. Tonight, by a vote of 87-12 the members of the Senate proved that we can work together for the good of our nation. Passage of the First Step Act is the most significant change to our system of criminal justice in decades. It was supported by an amazing coalition of unlikely partners progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans, law enforcement groups and civil rights groups, business leaders and faith-based organizations. By passing this legislation, we will now begin to relieve our overcrowded prisons, redirect funding to our most pressing crime prevention efforts, make our communities safer, and ensure the integrity of our justice system. I commend my colleagues for their spirit of cooperation on this important piece of legislation and I look forward to seeing this legislation signed by the President, Durbin said. It's been several decades since Congress made significant reforms to our nation's criminal justice and prison policies. The First Step Act takes lessons from history and from states our laboratories of democracy to reduce crime, save taxpayer dollars and… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-announces-federal-dollars-for-lead-abatement-encourages-illinoisans-to-apply-for-grant-funding/ | Bustos Announces Federal Dollars for Lead Abatement, Encourages Illinoisans to Apply for Grant Funding | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | MOLINE Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announcedfederal funding for lead abatement that will be available to families in Galesburg and across Illinois. The funding will come through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) specifically, the Lead Hazard Reduction Program (LHRP) and HUD's Healthy Homes funding. Today's news is welcome and overdue for folks across Illinois who want nothing more than a safe and lead-free home to raise their family and I've been hard at work with local communities, the state and federal agencies to deliver funding to get to the root of this problem, Congresswoman Bustos said. Whether it's toxic lead-based paint or unsafe drinking water, we can and must work tirelessly to keep our families safe. I'll continue to be a partner to anybody who's working to keep children safe and to make our region a great place to live, work and raise a family. This grant announcement gives $3.6 million to the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help families afford lead abatement in their homes. In Galesburg, the City is encouraging families who are interested in applying for funding to contact City Housing Coordinator Judy Guenseth at (309) 345-3652 orjguenseth@ci.galesburg.il.us. The City of Moline also received $2.4 million in federal funding through LHRP families can contact K.J. Whitley, Moline's Community Development Manager, at (309) 524-2044 or kwhitley@moline.il.us. Congresswoman Bustos has been a strong and consistent leader for healthy and lead-free homes working with state and local officials to keep children and families safe. She tirelessly fought to deliver $4 million in federal funding to help the City of Galesburg replace lead service lines that threatened the safety of families' drinking water. Previously, Congresswoman Bustos introduced the Safe Drinking Water Act with Congressman Bobby Rush (IL-01). Their legislation would establish a $50 million grant program within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow local education ag… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3749 | Lipinski Calls for New EtO Emissions Testing Method at Sterigenics | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | In light of theU.S.Environmental Protection Agency'srecent testing showing significantly high levels of cancer-causing ethylene oxide (EtO) in the air in Willowbrook, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is calling on Sterigenics to implement a new testing method to measure EtO coming from its facilities in the village. Lipinski wants Sterigenics to work with the U.S. and Illinois EPA to conduct fenceline air quality monitoring to get a clearer picture of the pollution levels crossing their property boundary. Recent EPA-supervised stack testing showed how much EtO is emitted from Sterigenics' scrubber, but not how much potentially leaks out through windows, doors, its heating and air conditioning system, and other sources. Yesterday, I visited Sterigenics' main Willowbrook facility to see for myself the building and how the plant operates, as well as where the EPA has conducted ambient air testing, Rep. Lipinski said. Following up on this visit and in consultation with outside scientists, today I am calling on Sterigenics to begin as soon as possible testing for EtO around the perimeter of its two buildings in Willowbrook. This testing should be done in conjunction with the EPA and in a transparent manner that can be scientifically verified by an independent third party. I continue to stand by my statement that Sterigenics should be shut down unless we can be assured that it is not a public health threat. The EPA released another round of air sample results yesterday for EtO around the two Sterigenics facilities. The first set of results released on December 7th showed an extremely high concentration of EtO on November 19th at the two testing sites closest to the plant. The new results for testing conducted on November 23rd differ from the previous results, but only raise more questions and cannot be said to demonstrate that Sterigenics is not a public health threat. This past summer, the EPA reported disturbingly high cancer risk in communities across the country that are home to commercial sterilization facilit… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=3782 | Schakowsky, Warren Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Radically Reduce Drug Prices Through Public Manufacturing of Prescription Drugs | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | Legislation would address market failures and increase competition in the generic drug market by establishing new Office of Drug Manufacturing Warren also callson Senate to investigate alleged price fixing among companies, driving up the cost of hundreds of generic drugs in America Bill Text (PDF)| One-Pager (PDF) | Op-ed Washington, DC -United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today introduced the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, an ambitious proposal to address the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs. Her bill would lower prices and increase competition in the generic pharmaceutical market by establishing an Office of Drug Manufacturingwithin the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) tasked with manufacturing select generic drugs and offering them to consumers at a fair price that guarantees affordable patient access. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) plans to introduce identical companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives. "In market after market, competition is dying as a handful of giant companies spend millions to rig the rules, insulate themselves from accountability, and line their pockets at the expense of American families,"said Senator Warren. "The solution here is not to replace markets, but to fix them. The Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act will introduce more competition into the prescription drug market, and bring down prices for consumers." "Nearly 25% of Americans have skipped a dose of their medication or not filled a prescription due to the prohibitive cost. This includes 50% of medications for chronic disease that are not taken as prescribed. This lack of adherence is estimated to have caused approximately 125,000 deaths, and we know the names of some people who have died. Meanwhile, pharmaceutical corporations have spiked prices, stifled competition, and thickened their own wallets," said Representative Schakowsky. "That's why I'm proud to unveil the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act with my friend Senator… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/waukegan-5th-grader-designs-congressman-schneider-s-holiday-card | Waukegan 5th Grader Designs Congressman Schneiders Holiday Card | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Brad Schneider announced artwork by Natalee Lizardo, a 5th grade student at North Elementary School in Waukegan was the winning design for his 2018 holiday card. Earlier this year, Schneider solicited greeting card designs from Tenth District elementary schools. Schneider with Natalee Lizardo, a 5th Grade Student at North Elementary School in Waukegan, who designed his 2018 holiday card cover. The message inside the card reads: Wishing you a joyous holiday season filled with the warm company of family and friends. May the New Year unite us all with the blessings of peace, good health and happiness. Happy Holidays from the Schneider family, | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-cotton-amendments-to-the-first-step-act-only-seek-to-shatter-bipartisan-compromise | Durbin: Cotton Amendments To The First Step Act Only Seek To Shatter Bipartisan Compromise | 2018-12-18 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.18 Durbin: Cotton Amendments To The First Step Act Only Seek To Shatter Bipartisan Compromise WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee and lead Democratic sponsor of the First Step Act, today urged his colleagues to vote against the amendment to the First Step Act being offered by Senators Tom Cotton (R-AR) and John Kennedy (R-LA). In a speech on the Senate floor, Durbin argued that this amendment is a poison pill designed to gut the prison reforms in the First Step Act and shatter this bipartisan compromise. Durbin, along with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), introduced the First Step Act last month, which combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reforms from the broadly bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which was authored by Durbin and Grassley and passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in February by a vote of 16-5. The First Step Act is endorsed by President Trump and cosponsored by more than a third of the Senate, evenly balanced among Democrats and Republicans. Yesterday, the Senate voted to advance the First Step Act by a vote of 82-12. A final passage vote is expected today or tomorrow. When it comes to the Cotton Amendments, members of the Senate really have a very clear and stark choice. They can support a bill which has been worked on in a bipartisan basis and enjoys the support of police, prosecutors, and those groups which protect our constitutional rights all together, right and left supporting. They can support a bill that has bipartisan support here on the floor, colleagues and members who rarely come together, but we have come together on this bill because we have found a good compromise. They can support a bill which has the support of survivors and criminal victims' organizations. Or they c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/cbc-statement-russian-attempts-suppress-african-american-turnout-2016-election | CBC Statement on Russian Attempts to Suppress African American Turnout in the 2016 Election | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Danny K. Davis joined with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) – led by Chairman L. Cedric Richmond (D-LA-02), and Congressional Black Caucus Diversity Task Force Co-Chairs, Representatives Barbara Lee (D-CA-13) and G. K. Butterfield (D-NC-01) – and issued the following joint statement in response to a new report prepared for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, which reveals Russia targeted African American voters in attempts to suppress the vote in the 2016 election: “During the 2016 presidential election cycle, hundreds of thousands of minority voters were disenfranchised before they even had a chance to walk into the voting booth. As today’s report produced for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence makes clear – this was a carefully orchestrated effort by Russian actors to exploit social media platforms in order to suppress turnout among black voters. “This campaign of disinformation is extremely disconcerting because black voter turnout declined in 2016 – for the first time in 20 years. “While this next Congress gives both Democrats and Republicans an opportunity to address election security, we call upon the President to take the security of our elections seriously and work with the Secretary of Homeland Security and the FBI to stop foreign election meddling efforts. The CBC would also like to hear directly from Mark Zuckerberg at Facebook, and CEOs of other companies whose platforms were weaponized, about what they knew, and concrete steps they will implement to address future attempts at disinformation campaigns. “We cannot allow the deceit and misinformation that characterized the 2016 elections to be repeated in the future.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-on-facebook-s-failure-to-stop-targeted-manipulation-of | Rush Statement on Facebooks Failure to Stop Targeted Manipulation of African-Americans in the 2016 Election | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | CHICAGO Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), released the following statement on today's New York Times article detailing Russia's targeted manipulation of African-Americans in the 2016 election: Today's troubling report underscores the point I raised at the House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing with Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg: Facebook can be and has been used to unethically and unfairly target individuals based on their perceived race. It is appalling that Facebook, one of the world's most groundbreaking companies, sat idly by while African-Americans were inundated with propaganda and lies by a hostile foreign power with the intent to suppress voter turnout. It is highly implausible that no one at Facebook noticed this was happening and that it didn't ring alarm bells throughout their Menlo Park headquarters. This corporate blind spot further underscores the serious need for a more diverse workforce who would have been more likely to notice this alarming anomaly; it is not enough to have Black Lives Matters posters on the wall. Facebook callously ignored the systematic and deliberate targeting of those who, according to the New York Times, had shown interest in particular topics, including black history, the Black Panther Party and Malcolm X.' Mark Zuckerberg failed his users and has continued to erode the trust of Americans because Facebook is more concerned with their bottom line instead of defending our democracy and vulnerable and historically-marginalized populations. Our country has a long and sordid history of suppressing the black vote a brazen pattern we continue to see today and Facebook has now joined the ranks of those who have furthered that repugnant cause. Facebook and its subsidiaries must be held accountable for the egregious and negligent role they played in the 2016 election. This larger-than-life company has a moral responsibility to protect their users, not be a party to the erosion of our democracy or aid and abet hostile foreign actors. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-affordable-care-act-court-ruling | Statement on Affordable Care Act Court Ruling | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement responding to the ruling of a federal judge in Texas that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional: The Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans failed to repeal the Affordable Care Act legislatively, but they have not stopped working behind the scenes to weaken and undermine the law. While disappointing, it is no surprise that President Trump is now celebrating a ruling that jeopardizes health coverage and vital protections for millions of Americans. This ruling is an egregious example of activist judicial overreach that is likely to be overturned on appeal. The Affordable Care Act will stay in effect during this appeal, but the law remains under assault from an Administration willing to remove protections for people with pre-existing conditions, promote inadequate and incomplete insurance plans, and slash funding for open enrollment advertising and assistance. Americans' basic health care is at stake. The Administration has an obligation to end the sabotage and instead defend the law. More importantly, I encourage the President to work with the incoming Democratic majority to develop health care solutions that lower cost, improve care, and expand coverage to more Americans. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-van-hollen-and-klobuchar-is-general-motors-getting-tax-savings-for-outsourcing-jobs | Duckworth, Van Hollen & Klobuchar: Is General Motors Getting Tax Savings for Outsourcing Jobs? | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2018 Duckworth, Van Hollen & Klobuchar: Is General Motors Getting Tax Savings for Outsourcing Jobs? [WASHINGTON, D.C] In light of the recent General Motors (GM) announcement of layoffs in the United States, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) wrote to GM Chairman and CEO Mary Barra to request information on how the company is benefiting from new tax incentives for outsourcing U.S. jobs that were created by the recent Republican tax law. The Senators also asked GM to cancel further stock buybacks, which give a windfall to GM's executives and stockholders, at a time when they are laying off thousands of workers. We are deeply concerned about the recent actions by GM to close factories in the United States at the same time that GM is expanding production in Mexico and buying back its own stock, the Senators wrote. GM will receive a huge tax cut under the 2017 tax act in the coming years, and American taxpayers saved GM in the wake of the Great Recession. We hope you will agree that the American people deserve some basic transparency from GM to understand why it is choosing to close plants in the United States even as it expands production in Mexico. In the letter, the Senators call on the GM to share information about how the company may be benefiting from the new tax law and if it is reducing its tax rate by expanding operations overseas while it closes factories here in the United States. Specifically, the Senators asked GM for country-by-country information on GM's profits, taxes, employees, and tangible assets to understand if the company is artificially shifting its profits into tax haven countries with extremely low rates considering GM has 13 subsidiaries in tax haven countries, including three in Switzerland. If GM follows through with layoffs to workers in other states, it could impact Illinois's economy since GM spends roughly $3 billion a year on products from Illinois suppliers. Earlier this month, Duckworth and V… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-emanuel-announce-148-million-for-cta-red-line-improvements | Durbin, Duckworth, Emanuel Announce $1.48 Million for CTA Red Line Improvements | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.18 Durbin, Duckworth, Emanuel Announce $1.48 Million for CTA Red Line Improvements WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel today announced $1,480,000 in federal funding to support improvements for the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) Red Line. The funding, awarded by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), will support the planning of the proposed extension of the Red Line, connecting the 95th/Dan Ryan Terminal to 130th Street. "This grant funding will continue to help improve the CTA's infrastructure, which in turn helps revitalize neighborhoods and create jobs, Durbin said. Senator Duckworth and I will continue to work to bring Illinois' public transit infrastructure into the 21st century." Federal investments like these will improve Chicago's public transit system to better connect the city's residents and visitors, improve work commutes and create the good-paying jobs that grow the region's economy,Duckworth said. I'll keep working with Senator Durbin and others to modernize Chicago's infrastructure and improve transportation systems across Illinois. The CTA is in the midst of an unprecedented modernization and this grant funding will allow us to continue with those improvements. Emanuel said. Extending the Red Line south will help move our city forward, create jobs, drive development, connect residents and secure our place as a world-class city in the 21st century. Today's funding comes from the DOT's Transit-Oriented Development Pilot Planning Program, which provides funding to local communities to integrate land use and transportation planning with a new fixed guideway or core capacity transit capital investment. Comprehensive planning funded through the program must examine ways to improve economic development and ridership, foster multimodal connectivity and accessibility, improve transit access for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, engage the private sector, identify infrastructure needs, and enable mixed-use develo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-grassley-statement-on-senates-consideration-of-the-first-step-act | Durbin, Grassley Statement On Senate's Consideration Of The First Step Act | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.18 Durbin, Grassley Statement On Senate's Consideration Of The First Step Act WASHINGTON Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) made the following statement on the Senate's 82-12 vote tonight to hold debate and a final vote on the First Step Act this week: I am glad that my colleagues have voted to advance this bipartisan legislation. It is the best chance in a generation to make meaningful changes in our federal drug sentencing laws. We cannot waste it, Durbin said. I look forward to debating this bill over the next day and sharing why Congress should pass this bipartisan legislation to begin relieving our overcrowded prisons, redirecting funding to our most pressing crime prevention efforts, making our communities safer, and ensuring the integrity of our justice system. Tonight the Senate decided overwhelmingly to wrap up debate and hold a final vote on the bipartisan First Step Act this week. Years of negotiations and input from colleagues, stakeholders, advocates and law enforcement have finally culminated in a broadly bipartisan bill that is backed by President Trump as well as lawmakers and organizations from across the political spectrum. I look forward to a lively debate. This is a unique opportunity to pass once-in-a-generation reforms and to score a victory for the country and for American justice, Grassley 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-on-first-step-act-best-chance-to-make-meaningful-changes-in-our-federal-drug-sentencing-laws | Durbin On First Step Act: Best Chance To Make Meaningful Changes In Our Federal Drug Sentencing Laws | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.18 Durbin On First Step Act: Best Chance To Make Meaningful Changes In Our Federal Drug Sentencing Laws Senate votes to advance the First Step Act, confirmation vote expected Tuesday or Wednesday WASHINGTON In a speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, todayencouraged his Senate colleagues to support the revised First Step Act, bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation. Durbin, along with Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the First Step Act last month, which combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which was authored by Durbin and Grassley and passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in February by a vote of 16-5. The First Step Act is endorsed by President Trump and cosponsored by more than a third of the Senate, evenly balanced among Democrats and Republicans. Following Durbin's remarks, the Senate voted to advance the First Step Act by a vote of 82-12. The revised First Step Act is a bipartisan sentencing and prison reform bill that is sponsored by 34 Senators 17 Republicans, 17 Democrats. It is supported by President Trump and a broad spectrum of stakeholders, Durbin said. Congress should make this bipartisan legislation a fitting ending to this year. For all of the cynicism and skepticism about what Congress can achieve, we can prove as soon as tomorrow with one of the most historic changes in criminal justice legislation in our history that we can work together for the good of this nation. Our people who sent us to this job expect no less. In his speech on the Senate floor, Durbin also shared the story of Alton Mills. I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-for-profit-vatterott-college-closure- | Durbin Statement On For-Profit Vatterott College Closure | 2018-12-17 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.18 Durbin Statement On For-Profit Vatterott College Closure WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after Vatterott College, a for-profit college, announced its immediate closure: Another overcharging, underperforming for-profit college has closed its doors. It's the second major chain in just the last three weeks to abruptly close. And it won't be the last. With the collapse of Vatterott College, another 156 students in Illinois and 2,300 nationwide are left high and dry. Now it is the obligation of the Department of Education to do everything in its power to make sure that students are fully informed of available options, including closed school discharge, and to prevent these students from being lured into completing their studies at other predatory and financially shaky for-profit colleges. I am calling on Illinois community colleges to step up and help the students that Vatterott and the for-profit college industry have failed. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-courts-will-ultimately-uphold-constitutionality | Congressman Krishnamoorthi: "The Courts Will Ultimately Uphold The Constitutionality Of the Affordable Care Act, And For the Sake Of Millions, They Must" | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | legacy | SCHAUMBURG, IL Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee's Subcommittee on Health Care, Benefits and Administrative Rules, issued the following statement in response to a district court decision in the Texas v. United States lawsuit striking down the Affordable Care Act, including its essential protections for people with pre-existing conditions: "Last night's ruling, issued under cover of darkness, imperils the healthcare of more than 20 million Americans while running contrary to both the legislative text and congressional intent of the Affordable Care Act. Despite this temporary setback, I am confident the courts will ultimately uphold the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. and for the sake of millions, they must. This ruling is the result of a lawsuit filed by a radical group of State Attorneys General despite the opposition and denunciation of many of their fellow Republicans. But while their attempt to eliminate the entire Affordable Care Act, and all its protections, was born of partisan political animus and a complete indifference to the millions it would harm, their efforts can be overcome with a single, simple, and bipartisan act of Congress driven by our shared dedication to putting the people we serve first. I am hopeful that the 116th Congress will quickly pass legislation to guarantee that this misguided ruling cannot be used to deprive millions of Americans of their health care. Now is a time for all Americans to come together and demand Congress pass legislation that protects the healthcare of the millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=3781 | Schakowsky statement on district court decision in Texas v. United States | 2018-12-15 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, released the following in response to a district court decision in the Texas v. United States lawsuit striking down protections for people with pre-existing conditions and the Affordable Care Act: The Affordable Care Act has saved lives, improved health care, protected women and those living with pre-existing conditions, and given families peace of mind. It remains in place today and, despite yesterday's wrongheaded court decision, will remain in place tomorrow. I have no doubt that the Texas decision will be overturned on appeal. I am also sure that the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans will continue their campaign of ACA sabotage. As House Republicans found out when their repeal efforts were defeated, the American public will not let us go back to the days when insurance companies held all the cards -- able to restrict benefits, charge unaffordable premiums, or deny coverage altogether. The incoming Democratic majority will fight to protect the ACA and build on it to lower prescription drug prices and make health care affordable. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-to-simplify-access-to-medical-records | Foster Introduces Legislation to Simplify Access to Medical Records | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – This week, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced H.R. 7295, the Medical Records Access Fairness Act. The bill would require health care providers to give patients access to their medical records at no cost once per year if they need them. According to the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office, fees that doctor offices may charge patients can impose an unnecessary financial burden on patients who request them, potentially affecting patient care adversely. Patients who have long medical histories can incur costs of thousands of dollars depending on the fees associated with medical record copies. The study also describes a situation in which one patient was charged over $100 for an electronic copy. "Access to medical records is an essential component of ensuring patients get the best possible health care," said Foster. "Fees charged by providers for medical records vary drastically by state, and some state laws, including in Illinois, allow providers to charge a per-page fee for records access. These costs can quickly become prohibitive, especially for patients with chronic diseases or complex medical histories. This common-sense bill would allow patients to access their medical records for free up to once a year, removing an unreasonable financial barrier to health care. It will go a long way to improve the health and well-being of Americans." The Medical Records Access Fairness Act is supported by the Chronic Disease Coalition, the National MS Society, the National Organization for Rare Disorders, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Text of the legislation is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://krishnamoorthi.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-krishnamoorthi-and-cook-county-board-president-preckwinkle-promote | Congressman Krishnamoorthi and Cook County Board President Preckwinkle Promote Health Insurance Open Enrollment On Eve Of Deadline With Senator Durbin and Delegation Members | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Raja Krishnamoorthi | K000391 | krishnamoorthi.house.gov | legacy | CHICAGO, IL Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Cook County Board of Commissioners President Toni Preckwinkle convened an event with Senator Dick Durbin, US Representatives from the Chicago area, and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners to encourage health insurance enrollment throughGetCoveredIllinois.orgon the eve of itsDecember 15thdeadline. I want to thank President Preckwinkle, Senator Durbin, and all my Congressional Colleagues for joining me today on the second to last day of this year's insurance open enrollment period, said Congressman Krishnamoorthi's. We came together today tomark the tremendous progress that the Affordable Care Act brought, as well as the importance of signing up for health insurancebefore tomorrow's deadline.Enrollment for 2019 is down 11% from last year, due in large part to the Trump administration's cuts to outreach programs and advertising. I'm proud to see that so many of my Illinois colleagues are stepping up to fill this void and remind everyone to sign up for an ACA plan today. Other speakers at the event includedCongresswoman Jan Schakowsky,Congresswoman Robin Kelly,Congressman-Elect Sean Casten,Congresswoman-Elect Lauren Underwood, andDr. Claudia Fegan, Chief Medical Officer for Cook County. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3747 | Lipinski Bill Supporting American Entrepreneurs and Innovation Introduced in Senate | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski's (D-IL)Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act of 2018, a job-creating bill boosting American innovation and aiding entrepreneurs, has been introduced in the Senate by a bipartisan pair of senators, Chris Coons (D-DE) and Todd Young (R-IN). The bipartisan bill, which Lipinski introduced in the House along with Rep. Daniel Webster (R-FL), expands the highly successful National Science Foundation Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program that educates scientists and engineers about how to turn their laboratory research into new products and services. The bill was passed in the House earlier this year. I want to thank Senators Coons and Young for their leadership in introducing this bill in the Senate, said Lipinski. Increasing the accessibility of I-Corps allows us to ensure the money we invest in research and development will spur job growth and boost our return on investment. This bill has been endorsed by a wide range of technology, venture capital, and academic stakeholders, and we're optimistic it will become law with overwhelming bipartisan support. The Innovators to Entrepreneurs Act of 2018 expands I-Corps to meet several pressing needs: it expands eligibility to those who are not grantees of the National Science Foundation (NSF) or other I-Corps agencies, it lets interested private citizens and companies apply to participate and cover their own costs, and it directs the NSF to establish a new course to teach scientist-entrepreneurs how to start and grow a company. Finally, the legislation requires a Government Accountability Office assessment of the I-Corps program its first comprehensive, independent evaluation since it was created. Rep. Webster said the I-Corps program will bridge the divide between the academic world and commercialization sphere, playing a critical role in the efforts to increase innovation for all Americans. I am pleased to see the Senate introduction of S. 9, the Innovation to Entrepreneurs Act, said Webster. This bill mirrors our bipartisan efforts in the House to exp… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/gun-violence-deaths-reach-record-highs-in-2017 | Gun Violence Deaths Reach Record Highs in 2017 | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Congresswoman Robin Kelly, vice chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, released this statement concerning the CDC report that gun violence deaths in 2017 climbed to the highest recorded rate in history: Thirty-nine thousand seven hundred and seventy-three American lives were taken by gun violence in 2017. Thirty-nine thousand seven hundred and seventy-three mothers, brothers, sisters and fathers lost their lives while this Republican-controlled Congress has done nothing to stop the carnage and madness. Shame on President Trump for his inaction. Shame on Leader McConnell and Speaker Ryan for their willful ignorance. Shame on Congressional Republicans who refused to hold their leadership accountable and lacked the courage to act and save lives. These deaths aren't just statistics. They are real people who had real lives until gun violence cut them short. People like Nikia Betts, the Chicago mother of a 4-year old who was also shot; William ``Willie'' Cooper, a community activists working to stop the violence in Chicago; and Philando Castile, the beloved lunch man' who invested in the students of J.J. Hill Montessori Magnet School. The time to act is now, before another record-breaking year of gun violence deaths devastates American communities. When Democrats assume control of the House of Representatives in January, we can and must act on gun violence. We can start by passing universal background check legislation, legislation that's proven to reduce gun violence death and has the support of ninety percent of Americans and seventy percent of NRA members. We must also open up public health funding and research into gun violence, as we've successfully done for automobile accidents, tobacco, alcohol and drug abuse. Make no mistake, the American people are sick and tired of watching their family, friends, loved ones and neighbors die from preventable gun violence. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-announce-137m-to-protect-illinois-families-from-toxic-lead | Duckworth, Durbin Announce $13.7M to Protect Illinois Families from Toxic Lead | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 14, 2018 Duckworth, Durbin Announce $13.7M to Protect Illinois Families from Toxic Lead [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced $13,700,000 in federal funding today to help provide lead-free housing units to low-income families throughout Illinois. The funding comes through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Lead Hazard Reduction Program (LHRD), which aims to identify and control lead-based paint hazards in privately-owned housing for rental or owner-occupants, and HUD's Healthy Homes supplemental funding, which focuses on researching and implementing low-cost, effective home hazard assessment methods. Federal funds like these help local communities address toxic lead-based paint, which has been proven to harm children and cause cognitive and behavioral problems, Duckworth said. I'll keep working with Senator Durbin to reduce exposure to this dangerous neurotoxin and ensure safe, healthy housing options for children and families all across Illinois. We know the damage lead can do to developing brains, and it's our responsibility to ensure that all children, regardless of their background, can grow up healthy and reach their full potential. Access to safe housing should not be determined by your zip code, Durbin said. Senator Duckworth and I will continue fighting for investments like this to help make sure that families throughout Illinois are protected from the threat of lead poisoning. The following recipients will receive funds under this announcement: City of Chicago: $4,100,000 $3,500,000 in LHRD funding; $600,000 in Healthy Homes funding City of Moline: $2,400,000 $2,240,000 in LHRD funding; $160,000 in Healthy Homes funding City of Kankakee: $3,600,000 $3,000,000 in LHRD funding; $600,000 in Healthy Homes funding Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity: $3,600,000 $3,000,000 in LHRD funding; $600,000 in Healthy Homes funding Duckworth has been o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-court-ruling-overturning-affordable-care- | Duckworth Statement on Court Ruling Overturning Affordable Care | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 14, 2018 Duckworth Statement on Court Ruling Overturning Affordable Care [WASHINGTON, D.C.] In response to a court ruling declaring the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional that has been cheered on by Donald Trump, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement: This absurd ruling in a lawsuit that was brought forward by Republican Attorneys General with the support of the Trump Administration could take away healthcare from tens of millions of Americans if it is not overturned. Tonight's decision will beappealedbut we cannot and will not stop fighting to protect our health care or allow insurers to once again discriminate against the sick and those with pre-existing conditions. The Affordable Care Act remains the law of the landwhile it is appealed so Americans should continue to sign up for health insurance before the open enrollment period ends tomorrow night. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-to-epa-dont-weaken-coal-ash-rule | Durbin, Duckworth To EPA: Don't Weaken Coal Ash Rule | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.18 Durbin, Duckworth To EPA: Don't Weaken Coal Ash Rule Senators urge Trump Administration to keep in place the 2015 rule that sets minimum federal standards for coal ash disposal WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today sent a letter to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) urging the agency to not weaken the federal regulation for the safe disposal of coal combustion residuals (CCR) or coal ash, which protects drinking water, human health, and the environment. The 2015 rule established by the EPA sets minimum federal standards for coal ash disposal. Industry reports required under the 2015 rule show that coal ash disposal ponds caused unsafe pollution levels of arsenic, cobalt, and selenium in groundwater wells at 22 of the 24 power plant locations in Illinois This contamination threatens to spread to rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources throughout the Stateincluding Lake Michigan, which provides drinking water to the Chicago area, and the Illinois River, home to diverse pool of aquatic species and wildlife and an important destination for recreational activities,the Senators wrote.The proper disposal of coal ash is necessary for protecting humans and wildlife. We strongly urge you to consider new, stronger, more protective standards to ensure public health and environmental safety. Since the rule was finalized, Congress passed theWater Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act,enabling, but not requiring, states to set up permitting programs at least as protective as federal requirements for the disposal of coal ash. However in September 2017, the Trump Administration announced that it would consider revisions to the coal ash rule, and in March 2018, the EPA issued anew proposed rule. Coal ash contains toxic metals that can cause cancer, heart damage, lung disease, kidney disease, and birth defects and even lead to premature death. More than 13… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-court-decision-striking-down-affordable-care-act | Durbin Statement On Court Decision Striking Down Affordable Care Act | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.18 Durbin Statement On Court Decision Striking Down Affordable Care Act WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after a federal judge in Texas issued a ruling finding the entire Affordable Care Act unconstitutional: After repeatedly trying and failing to repeal the Affordable Care Act in Congress, President Trump and his Republican allies have turned to right-wing activist judges to try to overturn this vital law. Instead of working to protect Americans with pre-existing conditions and ensure that all American families have choices when it comes to affordable, quality health care coverage, the Trump Administration has made it their mission for two years to destroy the law that has given 20 million Americans quality, affordable health insurance. Today's decision by a district court judge backed by President Trump is politics at its worst and threatens access to care for millions of Americans with pre-existing conditions. But this misguided decision will be appealed, and I am confident that common sense will prevail. Americans across the country should continue to sign up for health insurance through Saturday's deadline. The Supreme Court upheld the Affordable Care Act as constitutional in 2012 and 2015. -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-young-bill-to-support-congenital-heart-defect-research-passes-senate- | Durbin, Young Bill To Support Congenital Heart Defect Research Passes Senate | 2018-12-14 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.14.18 Durbin, Young Bill To Support Congenital Heart Defect Research Passes Senate WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) andTodd Young (R-IN) announced today that their bipartisan bill,theCongenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act,unanimously passed the Senate. This legislation will promote federal research on congenital heart defects (CHD) and raise awareness of the impact these health problems have throughout patients'lives. TheSenate-passedCongenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act increases the funding authorization level forthe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)to $10 million per year, compared to the current funding level of $4 million, which will helpstates collect data on the prevalence of CHD and understand trends, health care needs,and disparities amongtheonemillion children and 1.4 million adultsliving with CHD. Last year, Durbinand Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) introduced a similar version of this bipartisan bill, which was also cosponsored by SenatorsYoung,Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Chris Coons (D-DE), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Roger Wicker (R-MS). If a loved one ever has the misfortune of getting sick or being born with a serious medical condition, you hope there's a treatment or care option for them. That's why I've fought to increase biomedical researchresulting in a $9 billion funding increase for our National Institutes of Health over the past four years. And that's why passing the bipartisanCongenital Heart Futures ReauthorizationActis so important. It will improve research, data collection, and awareness so we can establish a standard of care for the 2.5 million American survivors with this serious birth defect, and provide real hope for their futures, said Durbin. Gaining a better understanding of congenital heart defects is critical to the nearly 1 in 100 babies born with CHD and the millions of survivors living with this disease, said Young. That's why I helped l… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-announces-bipartisan-national-labs-caucus | Foster Announces Bipartisan National Labs Caucus | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | 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) announced that he has been named Co-Chair of the National Labs Caucus in the 116th Congress. The caucus advocates for federal investment in research at America's 17 national labs, and it will raise awareness about the importance of national labs for economic growth. Foster will co-chair the caucus with Congressman Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Congressman Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and Congressman Lee Zeldin (R-NY). "As the only PhD physicist in Congress and an employee of a Department of Energy national laboratory for over 20 years, I know firsthand the important work that our national labs perform every day to advance science and innovation in the United States. I am proud to join with my colleagues to educate Members of Congress and the public about the vital work of the men and women at our nation's national labs," Foster said. "The scientific innovation that comes from their research moves our country forward and makes it possible to tackle major challenges, including fundamental scientific research, new treatments for diseases, and solutions for climate change. If we are serious about maintaining America's leadership in scientific discovery, we need to make significant and stable investments in the world-leading scientific infrastructure that is in use every day at our national labs. I would like to thank Congressman Luján, Congressman Zeldin, and Congressman Fleischmann for their leadership on this issue." "Our national labs are some of our country's greatest assets – from supercomputing to materials science – national labs improve the lives of everyday Americans while keeping our nation at the forefront of advancements in science and technology." Fleischmann said. "The National Labs Caucus is a great venue for legislators to unite in our support, and I am excited to take on a greater leadership role as Co-Chair. I look forward to joining my colleagues from both sides of the aisle – Congressman Lujan, Congressman Foster, and Congressman Zeldin – to lead the c… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/news-article/quigley-msnbc-our-moral-standing-world-matters | Quigley on MSNBC: Our Moral Standing in the World Matters | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | VELSHI: I'm joined now by Mike Quigley, Democratic Congressman from Illinois, a Member of the House Intelligence Committee. Congressman, good to see you. Thank you for joining me tonight. Do you and your -- I can't really speak of the House Intelligence Committee anymore in the last two years because it feels like two separate bodies, the Republicans on the House Intel Committee and the Democrats on the House Intel Committee. So do you and your Democratic colleagues, at least, want to interview Michael Cohen? QUIGLEY: Oh, absolutely. And look, I don't hold any animosity toward Mr. Cohen. He seems to have finally come to terms with this and I take him to his word that he wants to cooperate. So if he's finally willing to open up and tell us exactly what took place particularly with meetings with Russians or information about how money flowed through the Trump organization, was there money laundering, we would absolutely love to let him speak unabated about such things. We have to remember that the Special Counsel's role is different than ours. His decision is who to bring to justice. Ours is to find out exactly what happened, how to prevent in the future and how to inform the American public. VELSHI: I think you make a good point that there are things the Special Counsel is looking into, there's things the southern district of New York, the United State attorney is looking into, there's things the attorney general in New York are looking into, and there are things you might look into. Mother Jones has published a story tonight in which it says, Flynn said he discussed with Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak a grand bargain in which Moscow would cooperate with the Trump administration to resolve the Syrian conflict and Washington would end or ease up on the sanctions imposed on Russia. These sanctions imposed on Russia were sanctions that were imposed because of human rights violations, they were sanctions imposed because of the Russian incursion into a sovereign country, Ukraine. this is obviously an area that you'r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=25&itemid=3780 | Congresswoman Schakowsky joins Representative Lujn and Representatives Pocan, Lynch, and Boyle, to Introduce House Companion of Senator Warren's Accountable Capitalism Act | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | House Bill Text|Bill Summary Washington, DC -Today, Congressman Ben Ray Lujn (D-NM), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), Stephen Lynch (D-MA), Brendan Boyle (D-PA), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) introduced the House companion of Senator Warren's (D-MA) Accountable Capitalism Act. Senator Warren introduced the bill in August to help eliminate skewed market incentives and return to the era when American corporations and American workers did well together. The legislation empowers American workers and aims to reverse the harmful corporate trend over the last thirty years that have produced record corporate profits for American companies but stagnant wages for American workers. I'm proud to partner with Representatives Lujn, Pocan, Lynch, Boyle, and Schakowsky on this bill to empower American workers, said Senator Warren. With the support of this powerful group of House leaders, we're one big step closer to helping American workers get the higher wages they deserve. Throughout our country's history, the well-being of our workers has been directly linked to the prosperity we have achieved as a nation, said Congressman Lujn. Yet today, working families in my district and across the country face rising costs of living and stagnant wages. Elevating the voices of workers in our corporate boardrooms will help restore balance in our economy. The Accountable Capitalism Act is an innovative and commonsense approach to level the playing field. I thank Senator Warren for her partnership on this effort. Today, it's more important than ever that we give American workers the opportunity to have a seat at the table to make critical decisions on their rights and their future. Unfortunately, runaway corporate power is causing more benefits to flow to shareholders and CEOs, while families are struggling to make ends meet, said Congressman Pocan. I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing the House companion bill to Sen. Warren's Accountable Capitalism Act to take a strong step forward leveling the playing field for America's m… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/bipartisan-duckworth-hirono-royce-lieu-bill-to-honor-chinese-american-wwii-veterans-passes-house-heads-to-presidents-desk | Bipartisan Duckworth-Hirono-Royce-Lieu Bill to Honor Chinese American WWII Veterans Passes House, Heads to President’s Desk | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 13, 2018 Bipartisan Duckworth-Hirono-Royce-Lieu Bill to Honor Chinese-American WWII Veterans Passes House, Heads to President's Desk [WASHINGTON, DC] Following unanimous approval by the U.S. House of Representatives, bipartisan legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Mazie Hirono (D-HI) to recognize the tremendous contributions made by more than 18,000 Chinese-American World War II Veterans now awaits the President's signature. The Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act will authorize Congress to award the highest civilian honor a Congressional Gold Medal to these dedicated Veterans, including the approximately 190 Chinese-American WWII Veterans who call Illinois home. Congressmen Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ted Lieu (D-CA) introduced the legislation in the U.S. House. The bipartisan legislation unanimously passed the Senate in September of this year. Despite facing outright discrimination, more than 18,000 brave Chinese Americans volunteered to risk their lives to protect their fellow Americans during World War II, said Duckworth. I'm proud my colleagues from both sides of the aisle have chosen to recognize this brave group of Veterans' unwavering commitment and honor them with a Congressional Gold Medal. More than 18,000 Chinese Americans served our country during World War II, while also facing discrimination here at home, Hirono said. Like other minority service members, their contributions were not appropriately recognized during or immediately after World War II. The passage of the Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act goes a long way to right that wrong and express our gratitude for Chinese American veterans' distinguished service. The United States remains forever indebted to the bravery and sacrifice that the Chinese American veterans of World War II displayed. From the Flying Tigers, to their service in the Pacific and across Europethese heroes answered the call of duty when our … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-votes-to-end-us-militarys-unauthorized-support-of-saudi-arabias-brutal-military-campaign-in-yemen | Duckworth Votes to End U.S. Military’s Unauthorized Support of Saudi Arabia’s Brutal Military Campaign in Yemen | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 13, 2018 Duckworth Votes to End U.S. Military's Unauthorized Support of Saudi Arabia's Brutal Military Campaign in Yemen [WASHINGTON, D.C.] After voting to direct the President to end unauthorized U.S. military assistance to the Saudi Arabia-led coalition in Yemen, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement: Today, the Senate finally took an important step towards reclaiming and fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to determine whether to declare war and send our brave men and women into harm's way. For far too long, Congress has ceded that solemn responsibility, allowing the executive branch to commit our troops in engagements around the world without public debate or congressional approval. That has had painful consequences, particularly in Yemen, where the Saudis are responsible for perpetuating one of the worst humanitarian situations in the world. Untold numbers have been killed, starved to death and have died of cholera. With this in mind and recognizing Saudi Arabia's clear responsibility for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Kashoggi, the Senate was right to send a message today that American military assistance for this coalition must end. Since she was elected to the Senate, Duckworth has urged her colleagues to replace our outdated Authorizations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs), which set the legal framework, parameters and constitutional basis for our ongoing military engagements. Last September, Duckworth joined a bipartisan group of Senators to urge the Senate to debate a new AUMF and she penned an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal chastising her colleagues for neglecting their constitutional responsibility to debate a new AUMF, arguing that failing to act enables a seemingly endless conflict overseas without an honest, sober accounting of the true costs of war. -30- Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/senator-duckworth-to-serve-on-senate-armed-services-committee | Senator Duckworth to Serve on Senate Armed Services Committee | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 13, 2018 Senator Duckworth to Serve on Senate Armed Services Committee [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) will serve on the Senate Armed Services Committee in the 116th Congress, which will be sworn in on January 3rd, 2019. Duckworth, who served in the Reserve Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, was among the first Army women to fly combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom before her Black Hawk helicopter was hit by an RPG and she lost her legs as well as partial use of her right arm. She served on the U.S. House Armed Services Committee for 4 years before joining the Senate. My buddies in Iraq refused to leave me behind, and I want to make sure that they don't ever regret those sacrifices that gave me a second chance at life. That's why ever since I woke up at Walter Reed, I've made serving our nation's servicemembers and Veterans my life's mission. I'm proud to be able to continue that mission as a member of the Armed Services committee. I'm eager to get to work on the many critical national security issues our nation faces as well as to ensure our troops have the resources, support and moral authority they deserve. The Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) has jurisdiction over the nation's common defense, military operations, servicemember pay and retirement, military family benefits and the selective service system. SASC also oversees the Department of Defense, the United States Armed Services and several other national security-related issues at home and abroad. -30- Print Email 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-pushes-president-trump-to-prioritize-addressing-chicago-gun-violence-in-next-years-budget- | Durbin Pushes President Trump To Prioritize Addressing Chicago Gun Violence In Next Year's Budget | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 Durbin Pushes President Trump To Prioritize Addressing Chicago Gun Violence In Next Year's Budget WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to support strategies and programs that can help reduce gun violence in Chicago in hisfiscal year2020 budget request to Congress. Durbin pushed the President to prioritize federalresourcesacross several grant programs, such as increased funding in housing and economic development, job training and youth programs, quality early childhood education, public health prevention and behavioral health treatmentprograms, and community policing initiatives. The number of shootings and homicides that Chicago continues to experience is tragic and unacceptable. But while it may be easy to tweet about the problem, generating real and measurable solutions to help Chicago reduce gun violence requires more than 140 characters. Reducing violence in Chicago requires a comprehensive approach involving partnerships with local education and health officials, law enforcement, community stakeholders, and the federal government, Durbin wrote. The President's Budget Request is an important reflection of the Administration's priorities and the direction that the President hopes to take the country. You have routinely cited the tragedy of gun violence in Chicago during your tweets and public comments, but now is the time for action. Durbin's letter outlined five specific areas where increases in funding could help reduce violence in the city. Those areas include: housing and economic development, job opportunities, education, public health, and community policing. Full text of today's letter is available here and below: December 13, 2018 Dear President Trump, As you prepare your Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Request, I urge you to use this budget framework as an opportunity to support efforts to help reduce gun violence in Chicago, rather than scapegoating the city's challenges to promote ideological political agendas. I… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-passage-of-sexual-harassment-bill | Durbin Statement On Passage Of Sexual Harassment Bill | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 Durbin Statement On Passage Of Sexual Harassment Bill WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after Congress passed legislation to update and strengthen the procedures available to victims of harassment and discrimination and other violations of the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995. The bill now heads to President Trump for his signature. The alternatives available to victims of harassment and discrimination in Congress were in obvious need of reform. Thanks to the efforts of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Congressional staff who experience harassment and discrimination will now have access to improved support and protections, and there will be clear accountability. This legislation makes it clear that harassment will not be tolerated in the halls of Congressand I hope that after enacting this legislation, we will extend our efforts to improve the protections available for all American workers. -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-statement-on-senate-passage-of-resolution-to-halt-unauthorized-us-military-involvement-in-yemen | Durbin Statement On Senate Passage Of Resolution To Halt Unauthorized U.S. Military Involvement In Yemen | 2018-12-13 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.18 Durbin Statement On Senate Passage Of Resolution To Halt Unauthorized U.S. Military Involvement In Yemen WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today voted for the bipartisan joint war powers resolution, of which he is a cosponsor, to end unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Yemen. The resolution passed the Senate 56-41. The Constitution is clear Article 1, Section 8 states The Congress shall have Power: To declare War.' But there was never a vote to authorize U.S. military involvement in the Saudi-led coalition's war in Yemen, Durbin said. Not only was this war never authorized by the elected representatives of the American people it is a humanitarian disaster. An estimated 85,000 children have already died of malnutrition. And in a country of 28 million, nearly half are facing famine. On top of it all, we also know that the Saudi coalition is being led by a reckless crown prince who I believe had direct knowledge of the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Durbin continued, This debate and vote were long overdue. Not another taxpayer dollar or American life should be put on the line in support of this Saudi-led disaster in Yemen. The joint resolution would halt U.S. military support for the Saudi-led coalition's war in Yemen pursuant to the 1973 War Powers Act. In March, Durbin supported a similar bipartisan joint war powers resolution to end unauthorized U.S. military involvement in Yemen, which was the first-ever vote in the Senate to withdraw U.S. Armed Forces from an unauthorized war. Durbin has a long history of defending Congress's constitutional role in matters of war, regardless of who was in the White House. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-helps-lead-efforts-to-pass-bipartisan-farm-bill/ | Bustos Helps Lead Efforts to Pass Bipartisan Farm Bill | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | The 2018 Farm Bill Bustos helped craft as a Conferee passed the House and is expected to be signed into law WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos, who served as a Farm Bill Conferee, voted to pass the 2018 Farm Bill. The final version of the Farm Bill was negotiated by a select group of House and Senate members to reconcile the House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill into bipartisan legislation. The Farm Bill is an essential piece of legislation that provides our family farmers with the support they need to continue putting food on the plates of Americans across our nation, said Congresswoman Bustos. Although this process was far from perfect, I am glad we were able to pass a long-term bipartisan Farm Bill that provides our growers and producers with the certainty they need during these turbulent times. Now that the Farm Bill has been passed by both the House and the Senate, it will move to the President to be signed into law. Several bills Congresswoman Bustos wrote have been included in the final version of the Farm Bill, including: The Farmers of Tomorrow Act: If signed into law, this legislation would change regulations to make it easier for young farmers to buy land and put roots down. Specifically, with rising farmland real estate prices, this bill would modernize requirements so that more young farmers can access USDA loans. There's a specific provision in here to ensure that more veterans have the opportunity to go into farming too. Congresswoman Bustos introduced this bill last December. The Rural Health Liaison Act: This would create a new rural health liaison at the USDA to improve coordination and funding mechanisms to improve the delivery of healthcare to rural America. The USDA continues to be on the frontlines in the battle against opioid addiction and the Rural Health Liaison would be in position to spread best practices across small town America to address this ongoing challenge. Additionally, the USDA has the ability to finance the construction of hospitals and the implementati… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-endorses-nancy-pelosi-for-speaker-of-the-house | Foster Endorses Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - "Today, I formally announce my support for Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House for the 116th Congress. I am confident that the agreement we reached will position the Democratic Party to successfully lead in next Congress and for generations to come. As a businessman, I know that a transition plan is critical for any institution. Leader Pelosi has signaled her commitment to transfer her knowledge and experience to the next generation of leaders so that they may effectively lead the Party into a new era. As we take the Majority in the new year, Democratic unity will be an invaluable force as we join together to fight for hardworking Americans and for an economy that works for everyone." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:11:43Z |
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/e-newsletters/open-enrollment-deadline-reminder | Health Care is a Right Get Covered Before the Dec. 15 Deadline | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | Dear Friend, Did you know Open Enrollment for 2019 ends this Saturday, December 15? That makes this week the last opportunity for you, your family, and friends to purchase health insurance through the marketplace for the New Year. Illness and injury can happen when you least expect it, so I encourage all of my constituents to get the peace of mind that comes with getting covered. Whether renewing a current plan or shopping for a new plan, please take a few minutes to explore your options. You can visit Healthcare.gov to sign up for quality, affordable care today; and as always, feel free to reach out to my district office if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Mike Quigley | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/news-article/washington-blade-rep-kennedy-leads-trans-rights-meeting-house-dems-prepare | Washington Blade: Rep. Kennedy leads trans rights meeting as House Dems prepare for majority | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | A link to thisarticle can be foundhere. Ahead of Democrats assuming control of the U.S. House in the next Congress, the Congressional Transgender Task Force led by Rep. Joseph Kennedy III (D-Mass.) held a meeting on Capitol Hill on Wednesday with transgender rights supporters to outline priorities amid continuing anti-LGBT policies from the Trump administration. The meeting was closed to the public, but Kennedy and other participants held a conference call immediately after the discussion to highlight key points, including oversight of the Trump administration's anti-LGBT policies and advancement in the House of the Equality Act, legislation that would bar discrimination against LGBT people. Kennedy said after the call he's excited for Democrats to take the majority and to be able to dictate, or help dictate and agenda for Congress and to put out an alternative narrative for some of the opportunities and challenges we're confronting as a country. I hope and expect that one of the primary areas of focus for the 116th Congress is going to be ensuring that every single American gets treated fairly, and a big piece of that is obviously around our LGBTQ community, particularly given the target that they have been labeled with by the Trump administration, Kennedy said. While the target applies to multiple aspects of the LGBTQ community, no one has been targeted like the trans community has. As examples, Kennedy pointed to President Trump's transgender military ban that was sent out by tweet, the reported proposal within the Department of Health & Human Services to erase transgender people from federal laws, Immigration & Customs Enforcement policy that allowed Roxsana Hernndez to be beaten to death while in detention and the revocation of Obama-era guidance requiring schools to allow transgender students to use the restroom consistent with their gender identity. A Kennedy aide said other attendees at the meeting aside from Kennedy were Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash), top Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-applauds-passage-bipartisan-bill-aimed-reversing-rising-maternal | Quigley Applauds Passage of Bipartisan Bill Aimed at Reversing Rising Maternal Mortality Rates | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as Illinois' only Member of the House Appropriations Committee, released the following statement applauding passage of H.R.1318, Preventing Maternal Deaths Act: I join families across the country in applauding passage of the lifesaving Preventing Maternal Deaths Act, ensuring that sates have access to the resources needed to investigate every maternal death, said Rep. Quigley. In order to understand the problem and develop preventive solutions, we must continue to expand our research into America's unacceptably high maternal mortality rate. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to take up this critically important piece of legislation so it can be signed into law without delay. Introduced by Reps. Herrera Beutler and DeGette, the Preventing Maternal Deaths Act would establish and support state-based Maternal Mortality Review Committees (MMRC) to review every pregnancy-related or pregnancy-associated death, and based on those findings, develop recommendations for how to prevent future mothers' deaths. During the Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations markup this July, Rep. Quigley and Rep. Herrera Beutler (WA-03) successfully secured $2 million in funding for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention's (CDC) efforts in preventing maternal deaths through MMRCs. Approximately thirty-five states, including Illinois, currently have an established MMRC. This new funding is intended to continue scaling CDC's partnership with states to establish and expand these committees. The United States has the worst rate of maternal death in the developed world, with an estimated 700-900 annual deaths and thousands of women experiencing near fatal complications after childbirth. The numbers are approximate in large part because reporting data is incomplete and not-federally mandated. In September, Rep. Quigley convened medical professionals and advocates for a roundtable discussion on maternal health and what needs to be done to better protect new mothers. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-schakowsky-send-letter-secretary-pompeo-addressing-potential | Quigley, Schakowsky Send Letter to Secretary Pompeo Addressing Potential Closure of Chicagos Refugee Resettlement Agencies | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) sent a letter to Secretary of State Pompeo advocating for the United States' role as a global leader in protecting refugees and asking for further information on the Administration's plans for refugee resettlement agencies and resources in the Chicago metropolitan area. You can read the full letter here or see excerpts below. It is our understanding that due to the Trump Administration's historically low refugee ceiling for FY 2019 of 30,000, resettlement agencies will be forced to close local affiliates and reduce staffing and other capacity even further than they already have, wrote the Members. Given those extremely low numbers, the Department of State has identified the Chicago area as one of the several metropolitan areas with excess capacity and has asked the national refugee resettlement agencies to work with each other to develop a plan to close three of the six offices in Chicago, along with staffing reductions, and other cuts. We urge you to reconsider these short-sighted cuts and instead maintain the full capacity of those agencies so that our area will be able to handle what will certainly be higher numbers of refugees in the future. Earlier this year, President Trump announced his plan to cap the number of refugees that can be resettled in the United States next year at 30,000, further cutting an already drastically scaled-back program that offers protection to foreigners fleeing violence and persecution. Historically, the United States has admitted an average of 80,000 refugees annually, and in moments of urgent need has significantly increased that number, as evidenced by record high refugee arrivals under both the Reagan and Bush Administrations Refugee resettlement has been a cornerstone of American policy for decadesOur districts have benefitted tremendously from refugees who have made Illinois their home and who have received assistance from our refugee resettlement offices. Illinois alone has resettled over 129,000 ref… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-supports-select-committee-green-new-deal | Quigley Supports Select Committee on Green New Deal | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves as Vice Chair of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition (SEEC), released the following statement in support of the creation of a House Select Committee on a Green New Deal to combat our climate change challenges: As a member of the Sierra Club since I was 16 years old, environmental stewardship was my introduction to public service. From clean jobs to renewable energy and emissions reductions, meaningful action to combat climate change has been a top priority throughout my years in local government, education, and Congress. Today, as we mark the third anniversary of the Paris Climate Agreement, I'm proud to take this next step for our environment, economy, and public health by supporting a Select Committee on a Green New Deal. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-kelly-statement-on-report-of-additional-manganese | Durbin, Duckworth, Kelly Statement on Report of Additional Manganese Source in Southeast Chicago | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today released the following statementsafter aChicago Tribunereportfoundthat air monitors recorded dangerous levels of brain-damaging manganese at Watco Transloading on Chicago's Southeast Side. The members raised concernsaboutthe Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) failure to consistently hold companies accountable for violationsof theClean Air Act, andhighlighted the EPA'sability to force facilities to monitor and test their air emissions for manganese air pollutiona known neurotoxinon the Southeast Side of Chicago. The health and safety of our neighbors is one of my top priorities in Congress. I'm disappointed to again learn that many of our neighbors are being exposed to unsafe levels of manganese; swift and immediate corrective action, coupled with accountability, is absolutely imperative, said Kelly. A few years ago, we were able to address an unsafe petcoke deposit in this community and ensure a healthier environment for Chicagoland families. We can and must do that again immediately. The EPA must use its full authority under theClean Air Actto protect human health and the environment, and time after time we've seen it fail to do so on Chicago's Southeast Side. The report of an additional source of manganese at another facility is troubling and requires swift action in order to protect countless families that live in the area. I'll be demandingEPAtake immediate steps to stop this pollution and hold those responsible accountable,Durbin said. It's unacceptable that children in Chicago or anywhere else could get sick by spending too much time outside in their own neighborhood. Unfortunately, that experience is far too common in neighborhoods across America, particularly in communities of color,said Duckworth.Whether it involves Watco on the Southeast Side or Sterigenics in DuPage County, it appears the Trump Administration is failing to protect families from toxic chemicals and hold poll… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-opening-statement-on-federal-energy-management | Rush Opening Statement on Federal Energy Management | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Energy Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, delivered the following opening remarks at the Public Private Partnerships for Federal Energy Managementhearing: Rush Opening Statement as Prepared for Delivery: "Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this markup today examining Public Private Partnerships for Federal Energy Management. "Mr. Chairman, like Members on both sides of the aisle, I fully support the objectives of both the Energy Savings Performance Contracts, or ESPCs, and the Utility Energy Service Contracts, or UESCs. "However, we must also take heed to the warning by both the Government Accounting Office and the Congressional Research Service, that a lack of consistency in reporting across agencies for projects makes it challenging to document the actual savings achieved solely from ESPCs or UESCs. "Mr. Chairman, ESPCs and UESCs allow the federal government, the nation's largest energy consumer, to leverage public/private partnerships in order to improve energy efficiency and save taxpayer money, while also increasing the use of renewable energy in the nearly half a million facilities it maintains and supports. "ESPCs and UESCs consist of contracts between a federal agency and another third party, either an energy service company or a utility, to finance options that employ private sector resources and capabilities in order to facilitate investment in energy efficiency and renewable energy at federal facilities. "Through ESPCs, private contractors finance the upfront costs of efficiency updates, which may include modifications such as transformer upgrades, the installation of high-efficiency lighting, rainwater harvesting equipment, or heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvements. "The contractor assumes the risks of the energy improvements and certifies that the upgrades will generate savings that cover the initial costs, and the agency pays a yearly amount for a fixed period of time. "Under the E… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-and-durbin-join-schatz-12-senators-in-introducing-new-bill-to-help-protect-peoples-personal-data-online | Duckworth and Durbin Join Schatz, 12 Senators in Introducing New Bill to Help Protect People’s Personal Data Online | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 12, 2018 Duckworth and Durbin Join Schatz, 12 Senators in Introducing New Bill to Help Protect People's Personal Data Online [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 12 of their colleagues today in introducing new legislation to protect people's personal data online. The Data Care Act would require apps, websites, and other online providers to take responsible steps to safeguard personal information and stop the misuse of users' data. People have a basic expectation that the personal information they provide to websites and apps is well-protected and won't be used against them. Just as doctors and lawyers are expected to protect and responsibly use the personal data they hold, online companies should be required to do the same. Our bill will help make sure that when people give online companies their information, it won't be exploited, said Senator Schatz. With major hacks or data leaks of private user information at Facebook, Marriott, Google, Equifax and Uber in just the last year or so,it's abundantly clear that Congress must do more to protect Americans' personal data online, Senator Duckworth said. Health professionals and financial advisors have long been responsible for handling personal information with the consumer's best interests in mind, it's time we extend this commonsense principle to websites and online providers. I'm proud to join Senators Schatz and Durbin in introducing this important legislation to do just that. In today's era of big data,' Americans are using the internet every day without fully understanding the consequences of every click and whether that click just handed over their personal data for unwanted uses. This is simply unacceptable. Websites, apps, and other online providers should be required to protect their users personal data. This bill is a sensible step in protecting consumers' personal data and I'm proud to join my colleagues in introducing it, said Senator D… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-kelly-statement-on-report-of-additional-manganese-source-in-southeast-chicago | Duckworth, Durbin, Kelly Statement on Report of Additional Manganese Source In Southeast Chicago | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 12, 2018 Duckworth, Durbin, Kelly Statement on Report of Additional Manganese Source In Southeast Chicago [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) andDick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today released the following statementsafter aChicago Tribunereportfoundthat air monitors recorded dangerous levels of brain-damaging manganese at Watco Transloading on Chicago's Southeast Side. The members raised concernsaboutthe Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) failure to consistently hold companies accountable for violationsof theClean Air Act, andhighlighted the EPA'sability to force facilities to monitor and test their air emissions for manganese air pollutiona known neurotoxinon the Southeast Side of Chicago. It's unacceptable that children in Chicago or anywhere else could get sick by spending too much time outside in their own neighborhood. Unfortunately, that experience is far too common in neighborhoods across America, particularly in communities of color,said Duckworth.Whether it involves Watco on the Southeast Side or Sterigenics in DuPage County, it appears the Trump Administration is failing to protect families from toxic chemicals and hold polluters accountable and that is absolutely unacceptable. The EPA must use its full authority under theClean Air Actto protect human health and the environment, and time after time we've seen it fail to do so on Chicago's Southeast Side. The report of an additional source of manganese at another facility is troubling and requires swift action in order to protect countless families that live in the area. I'll be demandingEPAtake immediate steps to stop this pollution and hold those responsible accountable,Durbin said. The health and safety of our neighbors is one of my top priorities in Congress. I'm disappointed to again learn that many of our neighbors are being exposed to unsafe levels of manganese; swift and immediate corrective action, coupled with accountability, is absolutely imperative, sai… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-trump-administrations-rollback-of-clean-water-rule | Duckworth Statement on Trump Administration’s Rollback of Clean Water Rule | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 12, 2018 Duckworth Statement on Trump Administration's Rollback of Clean Water Rule [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced a proposal that would roll back the Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule under the Clean Water Act of 1972. Duckworth is the senior-most Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water, and Wildlife. For more than 45 years, our nation has counted on the Clean Water Act to move us towards a future where all of our waters are clean enough to drink and enjoy recreationally. This move by the Trump Administration puts that future in jeopardy, and makes it easier for corporate polluters to contaminate our streams and waterways that hardworking families rely on for clean water and safe food. Our public health, our environment and our economy will suffer. We should be moving forward with protections for our water systems, not backwards. -30- Print Email 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-a-border-wall-will-not-reduce-cartel-violence-or-stop-fentanyl-from-flooding-into-our-country- | Durbin: A Border Wall Will Not Reduce Cartel Violence Or Stop Fentanyl From Flooding Into Our Country | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Durbin: A Border Wall Will Not Reduce Cartel Violence Or Stop Fentanyl From Flooding Into Our Country WASHINGTONDuring a Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on Mexican cartels, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today urged the Trump Administration to reduce brutal cartel violence and drug, gun, and human smuggling by deploying more technology and personnel at ports of entry, working to address the drug epidemic at home, stopping the weapons and cash that flow south to cartels, and collaborating more effectively with regional nations to strengthen their economies and decrease the cartel violence not by building an expensive and ineffective border wall or punishing innocent victims of cartel violence who are seeking safety. Instead what the President is telling us now is we have to shut down our government if he doesn't get $5 billion for a wasteful and ineffective wall. We need modern technology to stop the drug cartels from importing the poison that is killing our kids, not a medieval solution like a wall from sea to shining sea, Durbin said. Video of Durbin's remarks in the Judiciary Subcommittee hearing are available here. Audio of Durbin's remarks in the Judiciary Subcommittee hearing is available here. During the hearing, Durbin stressed that the government should be allocating resources to modern technology, such as drive-through inspection systems, known as Z-portals. According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), these drive-through inspection systems examine 98 percent of rail cars but only 18 percent of cargo, passenger vehicles, and sea containers combined. Yet the Fiscal Year 2019 President's Budget request includes just $44 million for these systems. Durbin also called for Congress to finally prohibit straw purchasing and gun trafficking under federal law. Right now, U.S. Attorney offices have to prosecute those crimes as paperwork violations. Durbin has joined with Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) on a bill that would create fe… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-kelly-statement-on-report-of-additional-manganese-source-in-southeast-chicago- | Durbin, Duckworth, Kelly Statement On Report Of Additional Manganese Source In Southeast Chicago | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Durbin, Duckworth, Kelly Statement On Report Of Additional Manganese Source In Southeast Chicago WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Robin Kelly (D-IL-02) today released the following statementsafter aChicago Tribunereportfoundthat air monitors recorded dangerous levels of brain-damaging manganese at Watco Transloading on Chicago's Southeast Side. The members raised concernsaboutthe Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) failure to consistently hold companies accountable for violationsof theClean Air Act, andhighlighted the EPA'sability to force facilities to monitor and test their air emissions for manganese air pollutiona known neurotoxinon the Southeast Side of Chicago. The EPA must use its full authority under theClean Air Actto protect human health and the environment, and time after time we've seen it fail to do so on Chicago's Southeast Side. The report of an additional source of manganese at another facility is troubling and requires swift action in order to protect countless families that live in the area. I'll be demandingEPAtake immediate steps to stop this pollution and hold those responsible accountable,Durbin said. It's unacceptable that children in Chicago or anywhere else could get sick by spending too much time outside in their own neighborhood. Unfortunately, that experience is far too common in neighborhoods across America, particularly in communities of color,said Duckworth.Whether it involves Watco on the Southeast Side or Sterigenics in DuPage County, it appears the Trump Administration is failing to protect families from toxic chemicals and hold polluters accountable and that is absolutely unacceptable. The health and safety of our neighbors is one of my top priorities in Congress. I'm disappointed to again learn that many of our neighbors are being exposed to unsafe levels of manganese; swift and immediate corrective action, coupled with accountability, is absolutely imperative, said Kelly. A few years a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-and-house-lawmakers-release-updated-first-step-act- | Senate & House Lawmakers Release Updated First Step Act | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Senate & House Lawmakers Release Updated First Step Act Majority Leader, House Speaker pledge to consider criminal justice reform package this year WASHINGTON A bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers today released revised text of the First Step Act to continue building support for criminal justice reform. This update was brokered by the White House and a bipartisan group of lawmakers in both chambers of Congress. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Speaker Paul Ryan have pledged to take up the revised package before the end of the year. Last month, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Senators Mike Lee (R-UT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the First Step Act, which combines prison reform proposals that overwhelmingly passed in the House of Representatives earlier this year with sentencing reform provisions from the broadly bipartisan Sentencing Reform and Corrections Act, which was authored by Durbin and Grassley and passed the Senate Judiciary Committee in February by a vote of 16-5. The bipartisan First Step Act is a once in a political lifetime aligning of the stars. Republicans, Democrats, President Trump, Fraternal Order of Police, and ACLU have all thrown their support behind our bill. This bipartisan compromise could be one of the most important things we do when it comes to criminal justice not only this year but for a long time. I commend my colleagues for their spirit of cooperation on this important piece of legislation and I look forward to getting this job done in the closing weeks of this session, Sen. Durbin said. Over the last several years, we've expanded support for comprehensive criminal justice reform by listening to stakeholders and lawmakers to strike a balance that reduces crime and recidivism, and the associated taxpayer burden, while ensuring that… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-durbin-duckworth-resolution-honoring-victims-of-shooting-at-mercy-hospital- | Senate Passes Durbin, Duckworth Resolution Honoring Victims Of Shooting At Mercy Hospital | 2018-12-12 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.18 Senate Passes Durbin, Duckworth Resolution Honoring Victims Of Shooting At Mercy Hospital WASHINGTON U.S. Senators DickDurbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) announced that the Senate has unanimously passed a resolution honoring the memory of the victims of last month's shooting at Mercy Hospital in Chicago, in which a gunman killed Chicago Police Department Officer Samuel Jimenez, Dr. Tamara O'Neal, and Dayna Less. Officer Jimenez, Dr. O'Neal, and Ms. Less were all doing work that mattered and mattered greatly. All three were dedicated to helping others Officer Jimenez as a protector, and Dr. O'Neal and Ms. Less as healers. Their deaths have left their friends and families, the Chicago Police Department, and all of the city of Chicago stunned and grieving.This resolution honors their memory and contributions to the community, and our hearts remain with their family and friends during this difficult time,Durbin said. The strength of our nation comes from Americans like Officer Jimenez, who ran toward danger to protect others, and Dr. O'Neal and Ms. Less, who devoted their lives to healing others. My heart is with their families, the Chicago Police Department and the city of Chicago. Far too many Chicagoans, Illinoisans, and Americans have lost their lives to senseless gun violence. I'm proud this resolution honoring these victims' lives and commitment to serving their neighbors and their community has been passed by the Senate, and we must take action to help stop these preventable deaths, Duckworth said. Full text of the resolution is available here and below: Title: Expressing the condolences of the Senate and honoring the memory of the victims of the shooting at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, on November 19, 2018. Whereas on November 19, 2018, a gunman opened fire in the parking lot and lobby of Mercy Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois; Whereas the gunman took the lives of 3 individuals who had dedicated themselves to serving others as me… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/congresswoman-cheri-bustos-signs-farm-bill-conference-report/ | Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Signs Farm Bill Conference Report | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Bustos, who is serving as a Conferee, signed the final version of the Farm Bill Conference Report paving the way for legislation to be signed into law WASHINGTON, DC Yesterday, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos completed her duties on the 2018 Farm Bill Conference Committee by signing the final conference report. This report, negotiated by a select group of House and Senate members, merges House and Senate versions of the Farm Bill into a final piece of legislation. With this obstacle overcome, the Farm Bill is set to be passed in both Houses and signed into law in a matter of days. I am glad that we were able to come together and negotiate a bipartisan Farm Bill that supports our family farmers and strengthens our rural economy, while stripping away partisan provisions that would have left millions of Americans hungry. While it's by no means perfect, this five year Farm Bill will give our agricultural producers the certainty they need and protect the existing crop insurance program. I am also proud to have included several of my provisions to help young farmers and veterans launch first generation family farms. I also included language in the bill to strengthen our rural communities by giving them the resources they need to combat the opioid epidemic and grow our rural economy through expanded rural broadband,said Congresswomen Bustos.However, the fight for our family farmers is far from over. As our producers continue to grapple with a downturn in the agricultural economy, the impact of President Trump's trade war and the Administration's undermining of the Renewable Fuel Standard, a lot of work remains to be done. I am committed to fighting for our hardworking Illinois farmers. Once the Farm Bill Conference Report is signed by both the House and Senate Conferees, it will be voted on by the full House of Representative and Senate before moving to the President's desk to be signed into law. Several bills Congresswoman Bustos wrote have been included in the final version of the Farm Bill, including: The Farmers of Tom… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/news-article/chicago-tribune-trump-pelosi-and-schumer-square-cameras-border-wall | The Chicago Tribune: As Trump, Pelosi and Schumer square off before the cameras on border wall, government shutdown Quigley weighs in | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | A link to thisarticle can be foundhere. From the Washington Post: President Donald Trump, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer clashed on camera Tuesday over funding for the border wall, an explosive Oval Office encounter that ended with Trump declaring he'd be proud to shut down the government to get what he wants. Read more here. Democratic U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, the sole Illinois member of the House Appropriations Committee, told The Spin: President Trump is picking this fight in search (of) a problem that doesn't exist. Apprehensions are nearing historic lows, yet border security spending is at an all-time high. Even after passing over $1 billion for border security last year, only 6 percent has been used. He also told CNN: We want to avoid a government shutdown. As you know, though, unfortunately the president has been predictably unpredictable and reliably unreliable. There was funding for border security that passed in last year's budget over a billion dollars that they haven't used yet. If they want to compromise and continue that funding on into this year, let's not hold up the other six appropriations bills that need to get done and, oh, by the way, passing a bill to protect women against violence, a farm bill, disaster relief, the list goes on. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-mceachin-introduce-paris-climate-act | Schneider, McEachin Introduce P.A.R.I.S. Climate Act | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (IL-10) and A. Donald McEachin (VA-04) introduced the Produce All Relevant Information to Safeguard (P.A.R.I.S.) Climate Act. The timing of the bill introduction coincides with the United Nations Katowice Climate Change Conference (COP 24) in Poland. The Trump Administration is stubbornly set on ignoring the science of climate change and slowing our transition to renewable sources of energy, said Congressman Schneider. The recently released National Climate Assessment illustrates that time is running out to curb emissions and address the climate threat to our economy, nation, and planet. Our legislation would require the Administration to answer for its wrong-headed decision to unilaterally withdraw from the international Paris Agreement. I will continue to work with Congressman McEachin and my colleagues to put the United States on a path to lower emissions and reengagement with the international community. Climate change poses an existential threat to the world as we know it, and preventing that change is one of the most pressing issues we face. Public health, environmental quality, and our economy are at risk if we do not act. Several international and domestic reports have confirmed the urgency of our situation, and this administration must use the facts we have to protect the American people and everyone with whom we share this one Earth, said Congressman McEachin. Three years after the signing of the Paris Agreement at the UN Climate Change Conference, Congressman Schneider and I introduced the P.A.R.I.S. Climate Act because we know the Paris Agreement was a crucial step toward ensuring our world is livable and healthy, and science shows our withdrawal endangers that precious goal. The P.A.R.I.S. Climate Act makes clear Congress is concerned about consequences of climate inaction outlined in the National Climate Assessment. This legislation would also require the Secretary of State to regularly publish a public assessment that highlights the damaging consequences o… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-meets-with-retired-mineworkers-from-southern-illinois | Duckworth Meets with Retired Mineworkers from Southern Illinois | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 11, 2018 Duckworth Meets with Retired Mineworkers from Southern Illinois [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) met with retired Illinois mineworkers from Coulterville, Du Quoin, Millstadt and Taylorville to discuss the critical importance of protecting their pensions. Pictures from today's meeting are available here. Our mineworkers worked hard every day in difficult and sometimes dangerous conditions because they wanted to provide a good life for their families and they knew that when they were no longer able to work, their pensions would be there for them, said Senator Duckworth. Now, their pensions are at risk through no fault of their own. Congress needs to fix this crisis immediately and protect the pensions these workers were promised. The mineworkers, who are retired members of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA), traveled to Capitol Hill today to ask Congress to help save the UMWA 1974 Pension Plan, which provides monthly benefits to retired miners, to miners who are disabled as a result of workplace injury, and to their surviving spouses. The pension plan provides benefits to roughly 91,000 retirees and, in 2015, Illinois retirees received $64 million in pension payments from the plan. However, because of the 2008 financial crisis and the surge of bankruptcies in the coal industry, the plan is no longer on sound financial footing through no fault of the workers who paid into it for decades. In the Senate, Duckworth has been an advocate for addressing the miners' pension crisis and has cosponsored long-term solutions like the Miners Pension Protection Act, which would protect miners' pensions and secure retirees' health care benefits in the event their employer goes bankrupt or insolvent, and the Butch-Lewis Act, which would protect multi-employer pension plans without cutting a single cent that retirees have earned. -30- Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-votes-for-farm-bill-to-support-farmers-and-illinois-families | Duckworth Votes for Farm Bill to Support Farmers & Illinois Families | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 11, 2018 Duckworth Votes for Farm Bill to Support Farmers & Illinois Families [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after voting for the farm bill, which just overwhelmingly passed the Senate. The legislation included several Illinois priorities and includes provisions that will ensure farmers receive the assistance they need, support Veteran farmers and urban agriculture efforts, improve drinking water and expand access to high-speed internet in rural communities, and create historic investments in land and water conservation through climate-smart agricultural practices. The strength of America's farmers is a reflection of the strength of our nation. This bipartisan legislation will give Illinois farmers the support they need and help them remain competitive while supporting millions of jobs, making important investments in rural America and protecting our environment, said Duckworth. I'll continue to work in the Senate to ensure our farmers have the resources and certainty they need to support our nation's food supply, fuel our cars and grow our economy. Today's Senate-passed legislation rejects harmful proposals to limit food assistance for military families, which was a Duckworth priority. It also helps Veterans transition from active duty to civilian life by providing Veterans with training and making farm programs, loans, and risk management tools more affordable for Veterans. The bill also establishes historic new support for urban farmers and funds initiatives to help farmers find new markets across the world to export their goods. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-democrats-want-border-security-but-will-not-support-administrations-hardline-anti-immigrant-agenda- | Durbin: Democrats Want Border Security, But Will Not Support Administration's Hardline Anti-Immigrant Agenda | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.18 Durbin: Democrats Want Border Security, But Will Not Support Administration's Hardline Anti-Immigrant Agenda WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today rebuked President Donald Trump's claims that Democrats do not want border security. During a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Kevin McAleenan, Durbin reminded Commissioner McAleenan that earlier this year, a bipartisan majority of the Senate supported Durbin's bipartisan immigration and border security agreement but it failed to reach the 60 votes it needed because of the Trump Administration's opposition. On the same day, a bipartisan supermajority of the Senate rejected the President's hardline anti-immigrant plan. Democrats support it [border security] and we stand ready to work on bipartisan immigration reform legislation. But we are not going to support the Administration's hardline agenda, which would slash legal immigration and family reunification, and unfortunately dramatically cut protections for women and children fleeing persecution, Durbin said. In today's hearing, Durbin stressed that the Trump Administration is not addressing the root causes that drive migrants to the U.S. border and instead is further destabilizing the region by: Slashing security and humanitarian assistance by more than one third; Terminating Temporary Protected Status for El Salvador and Honduras, forcing more than a quarter million people back to these countries; and, Shutting down legal avenues for migration like the Central American Minor program. He also reminded his colleagues that it was a Democratic Senate that passed bipartisan comprehensive immigration reform in 2013 to provide $40 billion in border security funding and it was Republican leaders in the House of Representatives who refused to advance that bill. Video of Durbin's remarks in the Judiciary Committee hearing are available here. Audio of Durbin's remarks in the Judiciary Committee hearing is ava… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-reed-leahy-schatz-press-secretary-mattis-on-plans-to-build-barriers-along-arizona-border- | Durbin, Reed, Leahy, Schatz Press Secretary Mattis On Plans To Build Barriers Along Arizona Border | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.18 Durbin, Reed, Leahy, Schatz Press Secretary Mattis On Plans To Build Barriers Along Arizona Border Pentagon looking into building more than 31 miles of barriers along Barry M. Goldwater Range near Yuma, Arizona WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee; Jack Reed (D-RI), Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee: Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Vice Chairman of the Appropriations Committee; and Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ranking Member of the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Subcommittee today pressed Secretary of Defense James Mattis about planned activities on the Barry M. Goldwater Range near Yuma, Arizona, including building more than 31 miles of barriers along the Range. In a letter to Secretary Mattis, the Senators stressed that assessing further upgrades of the Range's fencing would be a wasteful and unjustified expenditure, which only serves to take away from more important priorities, namely military readiness and lethality. The Navy has recently initiated studies on building more than 31 miles of barriers along the Range, despite its inability to provide congressional oversight committees with a clear justification or a compelling argument for diverting as much as $450 million in future funding to this project. We believe the Department of Defense lacks any authorization or appropriations needed to move this project into any stage of construction during fiscal year 2019, the Senators wrote. Lacking this authorization for such a project, and in light of the Department's understanding that such a project would be controversial, the planned expenditures would be better focused on meeting the readiness and lethality needs that you requested Congress to support in your budget request. This would preserve the Department's promise to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars and our congressional oversight responsibility. Full text … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-durbin-roberts-legislation-to-support-rural-ems-agencies-as-part-of-final-farm-bill | Senate Passes Durbin, Roberts Legislation To Support Rural EMS Agencies As Part Of Final Farm Bill | 2018-12-11 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.11.18 Senate Passes Durbin, Roberts Legislation To Support Rural EMS Agencies As Part Of Final Farm Bill Bipartisan legislation will provide funding for rural fire and ambulance crews to fight opioid epidemic, strengthen workforce WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Pat Roberts (R-KS) applauded Senate passage of theAgriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018, also known as the Farm Bill, which includes their bill to reauthorize a federal grant program that directly supports rural emergency medical services (EMS) agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting courses to satisfy certification requirements, and purchasing equipmentfor everything from naloxone and first aid kits, to power stretchers or new ambulances. Durbin and Roberts, along withSenators DebbieStabenow(D-MI)andTammyBaldwin(D-WI), originally introduced the bipartisanSupporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Actin May 2018, which will provide grant funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for public, tribal, and private non-profit agencies in rural communities nationwide. Once the House of Representatives passes this version of the Farm Bill, it will head to the President's desk for signature. Rural EMS agencies are the backbone of theircommunities. When I met with EMTs and fire chiefs across Illinois this year, they explained how they're asked to do so much responding to the opioid crisis and the needs of an aging America often with scarce resources and tight budgets. The bill I sponsored with Senator Roberts will provide rural EMS agencies withnewfunding that will help them better serve their communities. Whether it's training and recruiting staff, purchasing new equipment, or providing courses to employees that can help them gain more certifications,includingthis billin the final Farm Billis a boost to local emergency response efforts,Durbin said.I'd also like to applaud my colleagues on … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3740 | Lipinski Remarks From Metra BNSF Community Meeting | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | "Thank you for coming out. I want to start by wishing you Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas. I am hopeful 2019 will be a better year for everyone. "We're here tonight because 2019 needs to be a better year for all Metra BNSF riders. "I don't take Metra to work every day like many of you do, but I am an occasional rider and I have family members who rely on it every day. When it's working well, it's an incredibly fast and efficient way to get downtown, especially during rush hour. Last Tuesday, I arrived downtown in less than 30 minutes from Western Springs. "This is the type of service public transit riders deserve. "We all understand that problems can occur, but this year the Metra BNSF line has failed all too often. There have been repeated delays, cancellations, broken air conditioners, and other problems. "I've told Metra and BNSF that this is unacceptable and the problems must end. "I've called on the Surface Transportation Board, the federal railroad regulator, to increase its oversight. "And tonight we have the CEO of Metra and the VP of Passenger Operations for BNSF because I went to the top of both railroads and said that they must come out to hear from riders and to explain what they are doing to fix the problems. "The role that BNSF plays here may surprise you. They operate not only the freight trains on this line they own, but they also operate the Metra service. I will let these two men explain more of that. "As I said, I have asked the Surface Transportation Board to oversee the fixing of issues on this line. However, the power of this Board is limited. That is something I would like to change. "What I have been able to do on the House Transportation Committee is to help bring more federal funding to public transit. I'm co-chair of the Congressional Public Transit Caucus and a strong advocate for public transportation. I'm a frequent rider, especially in Washington. In the last Highway and Transit funding bill, I helped raise the funding for public transit by 20% between 2015 and 2020. Th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/passage-of-dental-health-act-a-rare-act-of-bipartisanship | Passage of Dental Health Act a rare act of bipartisanship | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | The Action for Dental Health Act of 2018 has been described as a modest piece of legislation. But supporters have also hailed the measure as a heartening acknowledgment by federal legislators of the need to respond to the long-unmet dental needs of millions of Americans. In a rare show of bipartisanship, Congress last week passed the legislation, which is headed to President Trump's desk to be signed into law. The measure amends the Public Health Service Act to enable more groups and organizations to qualify for federal grants that develop programs and expand access to oral health education and care in states and tribal areas. Grantees are expected to include dentistry and hygiene programs working in rural and underserved locales; organizations helping to increase oral health literacy and disease prevention in low-income and minority communities; and mobile and portable dental projects to deliver care to patients in settings such as nursing homes and schools. The Congressional Budget Office estimates implementation could cost $133 million over the next four years. A broad majority of the House approved the original bill in February, with slightly amended version unanimously passing the Senate in October. The House approved the amended bill on November 28. This bipartisan bill means that more families will have access to oral and dental healthcare, U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly, an Illinois Democrat and key backer, said in a joint statement with U.S. Rep. Mike Simpson, an Idaho Republican, that announced the measure's passage The two worked together across party lines to introduce the bill and to ensure its passage. Ultimately, the real winners are patients who need improved access to resources to enhance early diagnosis, intervention and preventive treatments which can stop the progress of oral diseases, said Simpson, who is a dentist. Along the way, the bill won support from a range of professional organizations and health care advocacy groups that included the American Dental Association, the National Dental Associatio… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-to-introduce-cybersecurity-legislation-for | Congresswoman Kelly to Introduce Cybersecurity Legislation for Government-Purchased Internet-Connected Devices | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - This week, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, ranking member of the IT subcommittee, will introduce legislation to address cyber vulnerabilities created by the adoption of Internet-connected devices, commonly called IoT' or the Internet of Things.' As the government continues to purchase and use more and more internet-connected devices, we must ensure that these devices are secure. Everything from our national security to the personal information of American citizens could be vulnerable because of security holes in these devices, said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. It's estimated that by 2020 there will be 30 million internet-connected devices in use. As these devices positively revolutionize communication, we cannot allow them to become a backdoor to hackers or tools for cyberattacks. The legislation would require basic cybersecurity standards to be baked into government-purchased IoT devices. Congresswoman Kelly originally released a discussion draft of the legislation in August 2017. Over the last sixteen months, she has received and incorporated extensive feedback from advocates, government agencies, lawmakers and other key stakeholders to craft the final legislation. For the last 16 months, I've actively sought feedback on my federal IoT cybersecurity discussion draft. My goal was to create the best possible legislation to harden government-purchased and used IoT devices, added Congresswoman Kelly. In many ways, Congresswoman Kelly's legislation is similar to the Senate's Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act, introduced by Senator Mark Warner (D-VA). The bills differ in their definition of IoT devices and the Kelly bill further empowers agency CIOs with additional waiver powers. The legislation has already won the support of academics and industry leaders. "This bill makes important progress on one of the most pressing cybersecurity threats of our time. It leverages federal purchasing power to create pro-security market pressure and, equally important, serves as a model for the implementat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-takano-carper-cohen-call-on-department-of-education-to-protect-military-and-veteran-students- | Durbin, Takano, Carper, Cohen Call On Department Of Education To Protect Military And Veteran Students | 2018-12-10 | 2018 | 2018-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.10.18 Durbin, Takano, Carper, Cohen Call On Department Of Education To Protect Military And Veteran Students Members ask Sec. DeVos to release federal 90/10 data for for-profit colleges that includes all federal education funding WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-41), U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-DE), U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN-09), andsix of their colleaguestoday sent a letter toEducationSecretary Betsy DeVosurgingthe Departmentof Education toprotect military and veteran students by publishing, as part of the federal 90/10 rule,the amount and percentage of revenue received by for-profit colleges from all federal educational programs. The 90/10 rule was designed to limit the amount of revenue for-profit colleges could derive from federal sources to 90 percent. Unfortunately, because of the way the law was written, only Department of Education student aid funds are counted as federal revenue. This leaves billions in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) GI Bill and Department of Defense (DoD) Tuition Assistance funds unaccounted for. By enrolling service members and veterans, for-profit colleges are able to receive an unlimited percentage of their revenue directly from federal taxpayers flouting the law's intent to ensure that these companies were not solely reliant on federal funds for operation. The loophole creates a powerful incentive for for-profit colleges to use high-pressure and often deceptive and misleading marketing tactics to aggressively recruit service members and veterans,the members wrote.We understand that closing the 90/10 loophole requires Congress to change the law. But in the meantime, we ask that the Department continue to publish 90/10 data which counts accurately as federal revenue all revenue received by for-profit colleges from federal taxpayer-funded educational assistance programs.The data is critical for taxpayers and lawmakers … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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