Press releases
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2,875 rows where party = "Democrat", state = "IL" and year = 2019 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.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-continued-detention-of-philippine-senator-leila-de-lima | Durbin Statement On Continued Detention Of Philippine Senator Leila De Lima | 2019-12-30 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.30.19 Durbin Statement On Continued Detention Of Philippine Senator Leila De Lima CHICAGOU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement regarding the continued detention of Philippine Senator Leila de Lima by the government of the Philippines and President Rodrigo Duterte: Philippines human rights champion Senator Leila de Lima has been jailed for more than 1,000 days on highly questionable charges. Her release, which has been championed by groups such as Amnesty International and now the U.S. Congress is unfortunately symbolic of the larger price one increasingly pays for peaceful dissent and honest journalism under President Duterte in the Philippines. These voices, like de Lima's and Rappler journalist Maria Ressa's, face harassment and imprisonment for fostering honest coverage regarding the country's sweeping extra-judicial killings, which is an affront to the cherished democratic norms we share with our long standing Filipino allies. Illinois is proudly home to a vibrant, hardworking Filipino community. The Duterte regime should stop threatening the travel of these Filipino Americans and so many others who travel between our nations, and instead release Senator de Lima or assure a quick and credible trial. This strong-arm tactic is an insult to the Filipino American community and the country's democracy. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-rep-john-lewis-cancer-diagnosis | Statement on Rep. John Lewis' Cancer Diagnosis | 2019-12-29 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | Congressman Lewis continues to face every aspect of life, every challenge, with equanimity, optimism and without fear. He has my love, my profound respect and every ounce of spiritual support I can summon. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/democratic-letter-continuing-disability-reviews | Democratic Letter on Continuing Disability Reviews | 2019-12-27 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | WASHINGTON, DC –Top Democrats overseeing Social Security policy in the House and Senate recently called on the Social Security Administration to extend the comment period on a rule that would increase the frequency of so-called continuing disability reviews (CDR), a process that can be difficult for Americans with disabilities to navigate and may threaten their access to earned benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). “We urge SSA to extend by an additional 45 days the comment period for the notice of Proposed Rulemaking, ‘Rules Regarding the Frequency and Notice of Continuing Disability Reviews,’” the members wrote. “Under the proposed rule, SSA will increase the number and frequency of reviews of people who have previously been approved for SSDI and SSI, to see if the person’s medical impairment has improved. This process, known as a continuing disability review (CDR), can be extremely complex for beneficiaries to navigate. We are concerned that under the proposed rule, some individuals subject to review will be simply unable to navigate the process and, as a result, lose their benefits even though there is no medical improvement.” The letter was signed by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA), House Ways and Means Social Security Subcommittee Chairman John B. Larson (D-CT), House Ways and Means Worker & Family Support Subcommittee Chairman Danny K. Davis (D-IL), Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), Senate Finance Social Security Subcommittee Ranking Member Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Senate Aging Committee Ranking Member Bob Casey (D-PA). The full letter can be found here and below. The Honorable Andrew Saul Commissioner Social Security Administration 6401 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21235 Dear Commissioner Saul: We write to request that the Social Security Administration (SSA) extend by an additional 45 days the comment period for the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, “Rules Regarding the Fre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-secures-funding-local-priorities | Underwood Secures Funding for Local Priorities | 2019-12-27 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | December 27, 2019 WASHINGTON— Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the bipartisan, bicameral appropriations package for Fiscal Year 2020, signed by the President. The legislation includes legislation championed by Underwood to lower insulin costs, establish an electronic health record system for the Department of Homeland Security, research gun violence, and invest in Fermilab. "Our community is strongest when we are armed with the resources needed to build successful businesses, raise families, and live fulfilling lives. From day one, I have fought to bring the voices of the 14th District to Congress and have worked hard to make sure our priorities are reflected in federal funding bills. I'm pleased to see that so many of the investments I fought for were supported and will go into effect in the upcoming year," said Underwood. Underwood's key victories include: Health Care Raising the tobacco and e-cigarette purchase age to 21 nationwide, to combat the teen vaping epidemic. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: The bill provides $5.9 billion, a $140 million increase above FY 2019. for local communities or agencies fund important opioid and suicide prevention work with SAMHSA grants. National Institutes of Health: The bill provides $41.7 billion, a $2.6 billion increase above FY 2019. These critical investments will allow the United States to continue to innovate and find cures for rare cancers, chronic diseases and develop new pharmaceutical treatments. HRSA Nursing Workforce Development: The bill provides $260 million, a $10.5 million increase above FY 2019. VA Disability Claims Processing Backlog: The bill provides $125 million above the budget request for the Veterans Benefits Administration for hiring additional claims and appellate staff, and overtime pay in order to continue reducing the disability claims backlog. Defense Health Programs: The bill provides $34 billion in defense health programs to include $492.5 million for cancer researc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=4301 | Lipinski Statement on Boeing's Removal of Dennis Muilenburg as C.E.O | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement today: At a House Transportation Committee hearing in October, I grilled Dennis Muilenburg about whether the mistakes that Boeing made on the 737 Max that resulted in the deaths of 346 people in two crashes were the result of too much of a focus on the bottom line and whether anyone was being held accountable at Boeing. Today, someone was finally held accountable when Dennis Muilenburg was forced out as CEO. Boeing has long been a great company, but the legacy of the 737 Max is tragic. Not only were the lives of 346 people lost and their families forever impacted, but the livelihood of workers at Boeing have been put at risk. Dennis Muilenburg was not solely responsible for what happened at Boeing, but I am hopeful that this move reflects an understanding at the company that things must change. Safety must always be the top priority for Boeing. As a member of the Aviation Subcommittee of the Transportation Committee, I will continue to do all I can to make sure that the flying public is kept safe. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-donates-frequent-flyer-miles-help-wounded-service-members-and-0 | Schneider Donates Frequent Flyer Miles to Help Wounded Service Members and Military Families | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative was pleased to once again donate the frequent flyer miles he earned through his congressional travel to the Hero Miles program administered by the Fisher House Foundation. This program provides round-trip airline tickets to wounded, injured, and ill service members and/or their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center. This year, Rep. Schneider donated more than 57,000 miles accrued on his more than 50 flights between Illinois's Tenth District and Washington, DC. Making travel a little easier to connect the men and women in uniform with their loved ones is the least we can do for those who serve us every day, said Schneider. The Fisher House Foundation and Hero Miles program do such important work supporting service members and bringing military families together. This holiday season, I'm proud to again support the Fisher House's work with a donation of the airline miles I accrued during my official travel in 2019. Schneider introduced legislation, H.R. 577, the Prohibiting Perks and Privileges Act, which would require Members of Congress to use airline miles accrued as a result of their service for official travel or to donate them. The Fisher House Foundation helps both wounded, injured, and ill service members on approved leave travel to their homes, as well as families visit their loved ones in the armed forces while they are undergoing treatment at an authorized medical center. Partner airlines include: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, and United Airlines. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-pieces-underwood-s-bipartisan-legislation-signed-law-president-trump | Two Pieces of Underwoods Bipartisan Legislation Signed Into Law by President Trump | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | legacy | Second piece of legislation signed would save lives and increase efficiency by establishing an electronic health record system across the Department of Homeland Security WASHINGTON Two pieces of bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) were signed into law by the President. Underwood's bipartisanLower Insulin Costs Now Act will reduce the cost of insulin by helping lower-cost, generic insulin become available sooner. The Lower Insulin Costs Now Act will allow the FDA to continue to review applications for generic insulin beyond the looming March 2020 cut-off date, creating access to new treatments that can lower the cost of insulin for those who rely on it to survive. Over 1 million Illinoisans are living with type I or type II diabetes, including one in four seniors and a growing number of children in America. Along with Underwood, the legislation was led by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), and Mike Kelly (PA-16). "Over the past two decades, the cost of insulin has skyrocketedit's unaffordable. I've heard from countless families in our community about the hard decisions they make to afford their insulin, including rationing their supply or going without. This is unacceptableover 7 million Americans rely on insulin to survive,"Rep. Underwood said."There isn't a person I won't work withto lower the cost of prescription drugs, and I'm thrilled my colleagues in Congress and the President supported this advancement toward making lower-cost, generic insulin available more quickly." Underwood was also successful in her efforts to secure $30 million in funding for an interoperable electronic health record (EHR) for use across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Underwood's legislation to establish this EHRa top priority for DHS medical officialsand set standards for medical screenings at the border passed with bipartisan support in September. "When I visited the border this year, I found the humanitarian situation overwhelming and unacceptable. The medical official… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/two-pieces-underwoods-bipartisan-legislation-signed-law-president-trump | Two Pieces of Underwood’s Bipartisan Legislation Signed Into Law by President Trump | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Second piece of legislation signed would save lives and increase efficiency by establishing an electronic health record system across the Department of Homeland Security WASHINGTON— Two pieces of bipartisan legislation from Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) were signed into law by the President. Underwood's bipartisan Lower Insulin Costs Now Act will reduce the cost of insulin by helping lower-cost, generic insulin become available sooner. The Lower Insulin Costs Now Act will allow the FDA to continue to review applications for generic insulin beyond the looming March 2020 cut-off date, creating access to new treatments that can lower the cost of insulin for those who rely on it to survive. Over 1 million Illinoisans are living with type I or type II diabetes, including one in four seniors and a growing number of children in America. Along with Underwood, the legislation was led by Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), and Mike Kelly (PA-16). "Over the past two decades, the cost of insulin has skyrocketed—it's unaffordable. I've heard from countless families in our community about the hard decisions they make to afford their insulin, including rationing their supply or going without. This is unacceptable—over 7 million Americans rely on insulin to survive," Rep. Underwood said. "There isn't a person I won't work with to lower the cost of prescription drugs, and I'm thrilled my colleagues in Congress and the President supported this advancement toward making lower-cost, generic insulin available more quickly." Underwood was also successful in her efforts to secure $30 million in funding for an interoperable electronic health record (EHR) for use across the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Underwood's legislation to establish this EHR—a top priority for DHS medical officials—and set standards for medical screenings at the border passed with bipartisan support in September. "When I visited the border this year, I found the humanitarian situation overwhelming and unacceptable. The medi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-statement-on-nomination-of-stephen-mcglynn-to-serve-as-us-district-judge-for-the-southern-district-of-illinois | Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 23, 2019 Duckworth, Durbin Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) andDick Durbin (D-IL) released the following statement after the White House announced the nomination of Stephen McGlynn to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois: We are pleased that the President has nominated Judge Stephen McGlynn. He has the qualifications, integrity, and judgment to serve with distinction as a district court judge in the Southern District of Illinois. We appreciate the Administration's willingness to work with us and with our nonpartisan screening committee to reach consensus on nominees who will serve the people of Illinois well. We look forward to guiding his nomination through the Senate. In 2017, Duckworth and Durbinestablishedscreening committeesto assist them in evaluating candidates for vacant federal judgeship, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Marshal positions in Illinois. The task of the screening committees is to review and vet candidates for the vacancies and advise the senators regarding the candidates' qualifications and fitness for the position. A bio of Judge McGlynn from the White House is included below: If confirmed, Stephen McGlynn of Illinois will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois.Stephen McGlynn currently serves as Circuit Judge on the Illinois Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court and previously served as a Justice on the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court. Earlier in his career, Judge McGlynn was in private practice at McGlynn & McGlynn, Attorneys at Law. He has also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General of Illinois. Judge McGlynn earned his B.A. from the University of Dayton and his J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law. -30- Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-statement-on-nomination-of-stephen-mcglynn-to-serve-as-us-district-judge-for-the-southern-district-of-illinois | Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois | 2019-12-23 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.23.19 Durbin, Duckworth Statement On Nomination Of Stephen McGlynn To Serve As U.S. District Judge For The Southern District Of Illinois WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) released the following statement after the White House announced the nomination of Stephen McGlynn to serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois: We are pleased that the President has nominated Judge Stephen McGlynn. He has the qualifications, integrity, and judgment to serve with distinction as a district court judge in the Southern District of Illinois. We appreciate the Administration's willingness to work with us and with our nonpartisan screening committee to reach consensus on nominees who will serve the people of Illinois well. We look forward to guiding his nomination through the Senate. In 2017, Durbin and Duckworth established screening committees to assist them in evaluating candidates for vacant federal judgeship, U.S. Attorney, and U.S. Marshal positions in Illinois. The task of the screening committees is to review and vet candidates for the vacancies and advise the senators regarding the candidates' qualifications and fitness for the position. A bio of Judge McGlynn from the White House is included below: If confirmed, Stephen McGlynn of Illinois will serve as a District Judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois. Stephen McGlynn currently serves as Circuit Judge on the Illinois Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court and previously served as a Justice on the Illinois Fifth District Appellate Court. Earlier in his career, Judge McGlynn was in private practice at McGlynn & McGlynn, Attorneys at Law. He has also served as a Special Assistant Attorney General of Illinois. Judge McGlynn earned his B.A. from the University of Dayton and his J.D. from St. Louis University School of Law. -30- Print Email Tweet … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-creation-of-new-website-to-report-blocked-crossings-to-federal-railroad-administration | Durbin Announces Creation Of New Website To Report Blocked Crossings To Federal Railroad Administration | 2019-12-21 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.19 Durbin Announces Creation Of New Website To Report Blocked Crossings To Federal Railroad Administration WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will establish a website where the public can report blocked rail crossings by freight trains in an effort to collect better data and prevent blocked rail crossings, which are jeopardizing safety in communities across Illinois. Durbin helped secure provisions in this year's Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bill that directed FRA to create this website in order to improve passenger rail service throughout Illinois. Blocked rail crossings are impacting Illinois communities much too often. The new FRA website will help empower the public to hold the freight railroads accountable when they are blocking crossings that run through our state causing unnecessary traffic delays and jeopardizing the safety of my constituents, Durbin said. The FRA must keep Illinois rail moving forward as efficiently and safely as possible. Our ability to address this issue is only as effective as the data we collect, FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory said. Therefore, we are hoping to engage citizens and all levels of government to help spread the word about this important tool. Durbin has urged FRA to take a more active role in preventing the blocking of grade crossings by freight trains, an increasing problem in communities around Illinois. -30- Print Email Tweet Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-votes-restore-state-and-local-tax-deduction | Casten Votes to Restore State and Local Tax Deduction | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after he voted to pass H.R. 5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for State and Localities Act, fulfilling a promise he made to his constituents to repeal the disastrous state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap implemented in the 2017 Republican Tax Bill. H.R. 5377 would lift the SALT cap deduction for years 2020 and 2021. The Republican Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 capped the SALT deduction at $10,000 for individuals and families, but not businesses. Republicans took this deduction away from working, middle class families, like those in Illinois 6th Congressional District, to provide tax breaks for corporations. The cap also threatens the ability of states and local communities to fund education and other essential public services adequately. By restoring the SALT deduction, it helps state and local governments adequately plan and fund education, child care, mass transit, health care, and many more important public services. But this bill does more than undue the harm caused by the Republican tax bill, it improves the tax code by doubling the Teacher Tax Credit and creates a new tax credit for first responders. Now teachers, firefighters, paramedics, emergency medical technicians, and more can deduct up to $500 in out-of-pocket, professional costs. Casten said, "From the very first tax code, our Founders recognized the importance of allowing a deduction for state and local taxes. They recognized the need for states and localities to protect revenue and to maintain local control in determining how to best administer public services. These public services include getting our children to school safely and on time when budgeting for school buses, ensuring police officers have the tools they need to protect our communities, budgeting for vital infrastructure investments that support our roads and public transportation, and allowing our local libraries to have the funds to spend on reading programs to help our young studen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-slams-new-trump-rule-impose-restrictions-reproductive-health-care | Schakowsky Slams New Trump Rule To Impose Restrictions On Reproductive Health Care | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Deputy Chair of the Congressional Pro Choice Caucus, released the following statement in response to a new final rule announced by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that would make it harder for health insurance to cover abortion care, create consumer confusion, and push abortion coverage further out of reach for many. Denying access to abortion care puts people's health and lives in danger and infringes on their basic human rights, said Congresswoman Schakowsky. Earlier this year, over 170 of my colleagues and I sent a clear message to the Trump Administration about this restrictive rule: hands off our health care. Today, the Administration ignored our calls and took another step in their crusade to dismantle reproductive health care. But we will not go back and Democrats will not stand by. We will keep fighting to protect your right to safe and legal abortion care. The Trump Administration's rule would impose unnecessary and onerous burdens on insurers and consumers with the ultimate goal of eliminating abortion coverage in the Affordable Care Act marketplace and denying consumers their right to comprehensive health insurance. This rule would, for example, require that insurance companies send a separate bill for abortion care and require consumers to pay a separate bill from their premium for abortion care. The rule could impact as many as three million people across the United States. In January, Congresswoman Schakowsky led over 170 House Democrats in sending a letter to Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar criticizing this rule after it was first proposed. Women have the right to make their own decisions about their reproductive health. Barriers to abortion care force women to delay care, resulting in unintended pregnancies and unplanned births, which often times force families deeper into poverty, wrote Congresswoman Schakowsky and her colleagues. For these aforementioned reason… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-warren-reintroduce-affordable-drug-manufacturing-act-legislation | Schakowsky, Warren Reintroduce Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, Legislation to Radically Reduce Drug Prices through Public Manufacturing of Prescription Drugs | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | Lawmakers Also Release New Report Identifying Hundreds of Drugs Facing Limited Market Competition, Highlighting Need for Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act Bill Text (PDF)|One-Pager (PDF) | Section-by-Section Summary (PDF) | Report (PDF) Washington, D.C. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the House Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, and United States Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) today announced the reintroduction of the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act (H.R. 5501), an ambitious proposal to address the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs. The bill would lower prices and increase competition in the generic pharmaceutical market by establishing an Office of Drug Manufacturing within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) tasked with manufacturing select generic drugs and offering them to consumers at a fair price that guarantees affordable patient access. The lawmakers also released a new staff report, Costly Cures: The Broken Generic Drug Market and the Urgent Need for the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act, which identifies market failures in the generic drug industry and outlines how the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act would address these failures. It also identifies hundreds of examples of drugs that are potential candidates for public manufacturing under the bill. "Our prescription drug market is broken. Drug manufacturers are price gouging consumers without enough competition from more affordable, generic drugs," said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. "That's why I'm proud to reintroduce the Affordable Drug Manufacturing Act with my friend Senator Elizabeth Warren. It's time for our federal government to step up and ensure Big Pharma faces real, honest competition that will lower drug prices for people across the United States. There is not enough competition in the market for generic drugs, and that allows giant pharmaceutical companies to line their pockets while millions of families are crushed by the rising cost of prescription drug… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-responds-reports-trump-administration-epa-considering-weakening-risk | Schneider Responds to Reports Trump Administration EPA is Considering Weakening Risk Assessment of Ethylene Oxide | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) released the following statement in response to reporting by the Chicago Tribune that the Trump Administration is reconsidering the risk assessment of ethylene oxide (EtO) after lobbying from the chemical industry: Reports that the Trump Administration is considering unjustifiably weakening the risk assessment of ethylene oxide are severely troubling. If the U.S. EPA does so, it would put the economic interests of the chemical industry ahead of the health and well-being of our communities. During my meeting with Administrator Wheeler earlier this week, I again pressed him to protect the science in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) assessment of EtO which shows the chemical is dangerous, even at low levels. We must not allow the U.S. EPA to undermine the IRIS findings with industry-backed, predetermined and bogus science. In light of this reporting, it is even more urgent that Administrator Wheeler accept the bipartisan Congressional Ethylene Oxide Task Force invitation to meet with our members, Republican and Democrat, who represent these affected communities. Background: Ethylene oxide is an industrial chemical used to sterilize medical equipment and manufacture products such as anti-freeze. In 2016, the EPA listed EtO as a known carcinogen, however the agency has yet to release a rule regulating the use of the chemical by medical sterilizers, nor has the agency engaged with communities affected by EtO emissions. This inaction has created public concern in communities surrounding facilities that use EtO, including sites in Waukegan and Gurnee in the 10th Congressional District (Schneider). | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-wasserman-schultz-lead-jewish-members-congress-call-dismissal-white | Schneider, Wasserman Schultz Lead Jewish Members of Congress in Call for Dismissal of White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, 25 Jewish Members of Congress called for the dismissal of White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller for disseminating the views of hate groups supportive of white supremacy and virulently anti-immigrant tropes. The letter to President Donald Trump was led by U.S. Representatives Brad Schneider (D-IL) and Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), and signed by all Jewish Democratic Members of Congress. The recently released emails show Stephen Miller traffickingthe views of white supremacist hate groups that espouse a repugnant and extreme anti-immigrant agenda, said the letter's co-leads Schneider and Wasserman Schultz. These hateful views have no place in our government, much less just steps from the Oval Office. At this time of rising antisemitism, xenophobia, racism and white supremacy, we must forcefully call out and refuse to accept intolerance or hate anywhere within our government. The letter writers also refuted the claim, promoted by an official in the White House, that criticism of Miller is clearly a form of anti-Semitism. We are also deeply troubled that your Administration is claiming that legitimate criticism of Miller is anti-Semitic simply because Miller is Jewish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Hateful ideology is not just unacceptable, it is un-American, irrespective of the faith, race, or nationality of the individual promoting it. Weaponizing anti-Semitism is incredibly dangerous by muddying the waters, we are no longer able to see and fight against the real anti-Semites in our midst, write the 25 Jewish Members of Congress in the letter. The signed letter is available online here. Letter text below: December 20, 2019 The President The White House Washington, DC 20500 Dear Mr. President: As Jewish members of Congress, we are calling on you to immediately relieve White House Senior Advisor Stephen Miller of all government responsibilities and dismiss him from your Administration. His documented support for white nationalist and virulently anti-immigrant tropes is wholly unacceptable… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-votes-for-bipartisan-agreement-to-fund-the-government | Duckworth Votes for Bipartisan Agreement to Fund the Government | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 20, 2019 Duckworth Votes for Bipartisan Agreement to Fund the Government [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) voted for the two Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations packages, which will fund the government through September 30, 2020. The bills passed the U.S. Senate with a bipartisan majority and now heads to the President's desk for his signature. I'm glad both parties came together to pass this bipartisan budget agreement that includes a number of important provisions, such as securing miners' earned health care and pension benefits, defending the Great Lakes from invasive species and permanently repealing both the medical device tax and the Cadillac tax, Duckworth said. Hard-working families in Illinois and across our nation will benefit from this funding package, and I look forward to the President signing it into law. Key provisions included in the Appropriations packages will: Protect miners' pensions and health care coverage for retirees impacted by 2018 and 2019 mine bankruptcies; Help defend the Great Lakes from invasive species; Permanently repeal the medical device tax and the Cadillac tax; and Fund four additional C-130J aircrafts for the National Guard and eight F-15EX fighters. The Bipartisan American Miners Act, included in the final funding package, secures lifetime health care benefits for the 13,000 miners who would have lost their benefits entirely and the 92,000 miners who would have seen their pensions gutted next year without Congressional action. This includes pension benefits for more than 8,000 miners and health coverage for more than 1,000 miners in Illinois. Duckworth discussed the invasive species issue with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Rock Island District Commander Colonel Steven Sattinger in October of this year. She also successfully secured a provision in the America's Conservation Enhancement Act that will provide $2.5 million for five years in assistance for agencies across the federal government that have strategies to pre… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/congress-passes-bipartisan-spending-bills-with-illinois-priorities-secured-by-durbin | Congress Passes Bipartisan Spending Bills With Illinois Priorities Secured By Durbin | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Congress Passes Bipartisan Spending Bills With Illinois Priorities Secured By Durbin WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today released the following statement after the Senate passed the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bills yesterday. The bills are expected to be signed by President Donald Trump today. These bills invest in Illinois' environment, transportation infrastructure, health, agriculture, service members, and security. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, bringing home federal dollars will always be a top priority for me. I'm glad that Congress was able to come together on a bipartisan basis to pass these bills, which will benefit families in Illinois and across the country. These funding bills include the following priorities for Illinois: Interior and Environment Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), Great Lakes Region: $320 million in funding for the GLRI to support the inter-agency program to address issues affecting the Great Lakes, including invasive species and pollution. Since 2010 GLRI has invested more than $226 million in Illinois to implement 170 projects including the removal of toxic chemicals from Waukegan Harbor, green infrastructure projects like the Millennium Reserve near the Calumet River, and the restoration of 40 acres of land at Northerly Island. Bubbly Creek: The bill includes Durbin's language urging EPA, Army Corps, and DOJ to expedite a resolution to negotiations over liability concerns that have prohibited the Army Corps of Engineers environmental restoration program on the South Fork of the South Branch of the Chicago River. Ethylene Oxide and the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS): The bill includes language addressing concerns about ethylene oxide emissions and urges the EPA to brief the committee about its plans to update federal standards. The bill also includes language to continue to maintain the IRIS program and its mission t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-urge-illinois-residents-to-apply-now-for-census-jobs | Durbin, Duckworth Urge Illinois Residents To Apply Now For Census Jobs | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Durbin, Duckworth Urge Illinois Residents To Apply Now For Census Jobs Thousands of part-time jobs available to eligible Illinoisans WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Census Bureau in Illinois is recruiting temporary, part-time census takers, among other positions, for the 2020 Census. Thousands of people throughout Illinois will be needed to work as census takers for the 2020 Census between January and June of 2020. These short-term jobs pay between $14.00 - $29.50 an hour, allow for flexible hours, and offer paid training and reimbursement for authorized work-related expenses, such as mileage incurred while conducting census work. The Census results help determine representation in government, as well as how federal funds are spent in your community on things like roads, parks, housing, schools, and public safety. It's an incredibly important responsibility and I urge interested Illinoisans to apply for these jobs, Durbin said. A fair and accurate Census has a real impact on people's lives and determines how much federal funding would go to Illinois for important projects like transportation, infrastructure, education and more, said Duckworth. It's important these jobs go to hard-working folks in our state and I encourage anyone interested to apply and take part in this civic duty. Those interested in becoming part-time census takers should apply as soon as possible. Information on how to apply is available on the Census Bureau's website or through the toll-free Jobs Line at 1-855-JOB-2020 (1-855-562-2020). To qualify, applicants must be eligible for a 2020 Census job, you must be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, be a U.S. citizen, have a valid email address, complete an application, and answer assessment questions. (Some assessment questions are available in Spanish. However, an English proficiency test may a… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-lankford-kinzinger-loebsack-introduce-bill-to-support-rural-hospitals | Durbin, Lankford, Kinzinger, Loebsack Introduce Bill To Support Rural Hospitals | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Durbin, Lankford, Kinzinger, Loebsack Introduce Bill To Support Rural Hospitals WASHINGTON This week, U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and James Lankford (R-OK), along with U.S. Representatives Adam Kinzinger (R-IL-16) and Dave Loebsack (D-IA-02), introduced a new bill to support financially vulnerable rural hospitals facing risk of closure. The Rural Hospital Closure Relief Act would update Medicare's Critical Access Hospital (CAH) designation so more rural hospitals can qualify for this financial lifeline and continue to serve their communities with quality, affordable health care services. Small hospitals are the backbone of rural communities, and often the largest employers, yet more than 113 rural hospitals have closed nationwide in the past decade, with many more hospitals operating with negative margins. This bipartisan legislation will update Medicare's rules in order to strengthen our commitment to rural hospitals and the communities they serve, Durbin said. In Illinois and across the country, rural hospitals are a health care and economic lifeline. I'm pleased to work with Senator Lankford and Representatives Kinzinger and Loebsack to maintain support for these essential health providers. Access to rural health care is vital for many of our Oklahoma communities, said Lankford. Giving flexibility to states to help designate certain rural hospitals as necessary providers will help rural hospitals stay open while maintaining high-quality care for the community. I'm glad to partner with Senator Durbin and Congressmen Kinzinger and Loebsack to help communities continue to provide a vital lifeline and much needed access to life-saving services for patients. It is essential that we address the wave of rural hospital closures across the nation, and I am hopeful that this proposal can serve as a critical first step in doing just that. Rural hospitals are a vital lifeline in communities across IL-16 and the country. It's time for us to take action to help save these vulnerable health faci… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-senators-call-on-mnuchin-to-strengthen-irs-criminal-division | Durbin, Senators Call On Mnuchin To Strengthen IRS Criminal Division | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Durbin, Senators Call On Mnuchin To Strengthen IRS Criminal Division WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), and Bernie Sanders (I-VT), today sent a letter to the Department of the Treasury urging the Administration to strengthen the Internal Revenue Service's (IRS) enforcement efforts, including focusing on tax code violations and financial crimes. The Senators, in a letter to Secretary Steven Mnuchin, expressed serious concern over the IRS Criminal Investigation (CI) Division's Annual Report for Fiscal Year (FY) 2019, which revealed a drastic drop in the volume of tax fraud identified in FY2019 compared to previous years. The Senators urged the Department to commit to prioritizing enforcement efforts to identify and combat tax fraud, tax evasion, and money laundering. We cannot allow criminals, bad-actors, and tax-cheats writ-large to flout the system avoid paying their fair share in taxes, or enable more serious financial crimes such as money laundering, the Senators wrote. When we allow our financial system to be exploited, the average American taxpayer is left holding the bag. According to its own report, the IRS CI Division only identified $1.8 billion in tax fraud during FY2019, an 81 percent decline compared to the $9.7 billion in tax fraud identified in FY2018. The report also indicated the IRS CI Division initiated 2,485 cases in FY2019, a 53 percent drop from the 5,314 cases initiated in FY2013. The Senators noted that Republican-led efforts to cut IRS funding have led to staffing decreases throughout the agency, undermining the agency's ability to pursue criminal enforcement actions. Repeated efforts by Republicans to slash IRS fundingwhich undoubtedly has forced the Service to cut staffhave resulted in nearly across-the-board decreases in the number of investigations initiated by the IRS CI Division, the Senators continued. In March, Durbin, Whitehouse, Warren, Blumenthal, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-trump-administrations-new-e-cigarette-flavor-policy | Durbin Statement On Trump Administration's New E-Cigarette Flavor Policy | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Durbin Statement On Trump Administration's New E-Cigarette Flavor Policy SPRINGFIELD U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced that it will ban the sale of some flavored e-cigarette pods and cartridge products, such as those used in JUUL devices. However, in a major reversal, menthol flavored pods will be exempt from this ban and vape shops will be mostly exempt by being allowed to continue selling flavored liquid nicotine used in open tank systemsthese products often come in flavors such as cotton candy and gummy bear. During a briefing with the Administration this morning, I told officials that I would judge our success in stopping the youth vaping epidemic by two standards: first, are fewer American children becoming addicted to e-cigarettes and vaping products like JUUL. And second, are we developing a national strategy to end nicotine addiction to vaping that already impacts the lives of five million kids. While today's announcement is a step in the right direction, this policy still has a number of gaping holes. For instance, we should be removing all e-cigarette flavors from the market including menthol as was promised four months ago. And we should not be exempting flavored nicotine products that kids can access in vape shops. There is simply no public health benefit to allowing cotton candy and gummy bear nicotine flavors to remain on vape shop shelves. I believe that today's announcement is a positive step, but it is far from a comprehensive one. Five million children are now vaping, including one in four high school studentsan increase of 135 percent over the past two years alone. Between 2017 and 2018, America saw a 78 percent increase in the number of high-school children using e-cigarettes, and a 48 percent increase in the number of middle-school children using these addictive and dangerous products. Today, nearly 30 percent of school-aged children are vaping, compared with less than four… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-takano-va-must-protect-veteran-students-in-wake-of-ftc-settlements-with-for-profit-colleges | Durbin, Takano: VA Must Protect Veteran Students In Wake Of FTC Settlements With For-Profit Colleges | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Durbin, Takano: VA Must Protect Veteran Students In Wake Of FTC Settlements With For-Profit Colleges Within last several months, FTC has announced major settlements with Career Education Corporation and University of Phoenix WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-41), along with several of their colleagues,today sent a letter toSecretary of Veteran Affairs Robert Wilkie urgingthe Departmentof Veteran Affairs toprotect veteran students in the wake of Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settlements with for-profit Career Education Corporation (CEC) and University of Phoenix (UOP) for unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices. In August, the FTC announced a $30 million settlement with CEC, which enrolls more than 7,500 veterans using Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits at its American Intercontinental and Colorado Technical University brands and took in more than $60 million in GI Bill funds in Fiscal Year (FY) 2018. The FTC found that CEC and its subsidiaries used an illegal and deceptive telemarketing schemewrongfully obtaining consumer information and falsely representing that its schools were affiliated with or recommended by the military. This week, the FTC announced a $191 million settlement with University of Phoenix over deceptive advertising. The FTC found that UOP falsely touted their relationships and job opportunities with companies such as AT&T, Yahoo!, Microsoft, Twitter, and the American Red Cross in an effort to attract students. According to VA, University of Phoenixthe largest recipient of Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits since the program's creationenrolls 22,365 veterans and took in more than $150 million in GI Bill funds in FY18. Federal law, specifically 38 U.S.C. 3696(a), states that the Secretary [of Veterans Affairs] shall not approve enrollment of an eligible veteran or eligible person in any course offered by an institution which utilizes advertising, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/toomey-durbin-introduce-bill-to-add-ireland-to-e-3-non-immigrant-visa-program | Toomey, Durbin Introduce Bill To Add Ireland To E-3 Non-Immigrant Visa Program | 2019-12-20 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.19 Toomey, Durbin Introduce Bill To Add Ireland To E-3 Non-Immigrant Visa Program WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Pat Toomey (R-PA) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced bipartisan legislation to add Ireland to the E-3 non-immigrant visa program. The bill would allow Irish nationals annual access to any unused E-3 visas from the previous fiscal year. In exchange, Ireland intends to provide Americans expanded access to work visas in Ireland. A similar bipartisan bill sponsored by U.S. Representatives Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI-05) and Richard Neal (D-MA-01) passed the House of Representatives last Congress by voice vote. America has long benefited from the contributions of people who have come to this country willing to work hard, Toomey said. This bipartisan bill continues that tradition by allowing highly skilled Irish workers to apply for the E-3 nonimmigrant visa program. I appreciate Senator Durbin working with me on this worthwhile measure. From our earliest days as a nation, America and Ireland have been united by unbreakable bonds of friendship and family, and by a shared commitment to liberty and freedom, Durbin said. Our proposal is a commonsense measure that would further strengthen America's special relationship with Ireland. I'm committed to working to quickly pass this bipartisan legislation, as well as other critically-needed fixes to our broken immigration system. The E-3 treaty professional visa is a temporary work visa currently limited to citizens of Australia. Up to 10,500 E-3 visas may be granted each year and the visas are valid for up to two years on a renewable basis. Qualifying jobs in the U.S. for which an E-3 visa may be obtained require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in a specialty occupation. -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-pass-historic-usmca-deal/ | BUSTOS HELPS PASS HISTORIC USMCA DEAL | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Local labor, agricultural and manufacturing stakeholders express support for USMCA Washington Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) cast her vote in favor of the historic United States Mexico Canada Agreement (USMCA). The legislation is the first trade deal in recent history to receive broad-based support across agricultural and labor stakeholders. Illinois farmers and workers deserve the strongest possible trade deal. Thanks to changes secured by House Democrats, USMCA is that deal. No agreement is ever perfect, but this legislation addresses the needs of the district while delivering the strongest trade enforcement mechanisms our country has ever seen, said Congresswoman Bustos. Throughout the months of negotiation, I worked to help chart a path forward that would serve all Illinoisans. I'm proud Congress secured a deal that will help all sectors of our region's economy prosper. During the past year, Congresswoman Bustos has toured Illinois' 17th Congressional District, speaking with farmers, labor organizers and local stakeholders, and convening a meeting between Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, the Illinois Farm Bureau and Farmers for Free Trade, in order to ensure that the concerns of all parties were brought to the table. After months of negotiations, House Democrats struck a deal that resulted in bipartisan and broad-based support across industries and communities. Congresswoman Bustos delivered a speech on the Floor of the House today in support of the USMCA, which can be viewed here. BACKGROUND Labor Stronger protections for workers through enhanced enforcement: creates an interagency committee to monitor labor reforms and establishes benchmarks for the implementation of reforms. Closes enforcement loopholes and streamlines the dispute settlement system to ensure that our trading partners live up to their commitments. Agriculture Delivers much-needed trade certainty for farmers and the agriculture community. Establishes a foundation to create new markets in future trade negotiations. Presc… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-statement-on-epas-rule-to-undercut-renewable-fuel-standard/ | Bustos Statement on EPAs Rule to Undercut Renewable Fuel Standard | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Washington Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) a member of the House Agriculture Committee released the following statement on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) new rule that would undercut the Renewable Fuel Standard: The finalization of this EPA rule demonstrates this Administration's complete failure to meet the needs our family farmers and biofuel producers. Throughout the rule-making process, the Administration said they would seek to fully restore lost gallons, provide more long-term certainty in the waiver process and offer a clear path to implementation. Instead, the Administration has chosen to side with big oil and turn their backs on rural America. BACKGROUND Earlier this month, the Administration announced a new ethanol plan that was set to make up for their own actions to undermine the Renewable Fuel Standard and our agricultural economy. Today, the EPA announced a final rule on how the administration plans to execute their ethanol plan, but it fails to match the needs of rural America. In August, Congresswoman Bustos slammed the EPA for approving 31 small refinery biofuel waivers, which undermined the Renewable Fuel Standard and rigged the system for big oil. Congresswoman Bustos has also been a longtime supporter of year-round E15 to grow our agricultural economy. In addition, her plan to combat climate change and spur economic growth the Rural Green Partnership expands the use of biofuels to reduce Green House Gas emissions by optimizing fuel standards. In recognition of her efforts to champion the work of ethanol producers, Congresswoman Bustos received the Fueling Growth Award from Growth Energy the country's largest ethanol association. Congresswoman Bustos serves on both the House Appropriations and Agriculture Committees. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-durbin-members-illinois-congressional-delegation-press-epa | Casten, Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler on Ethylene Oxide Emissions | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about their concerns about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions at the Medline and Vantage facilities in Lake County. In a meeting with Administrator Wheeler, Durbin pushed for a timeline of regulatory actions by the U.S. EPA, and called on Administrator Wheeler to protect the U.S. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values from industry interests in its rulemaking. They also discussed a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data study that showed higher levels of cancer-causing EtO found in people living near Medline Industries in Waukegan, Illinois. Medline uses EtO to sterilize medical products. Durbin also pressed Administrator Wheeler on what the EPA is doing to immediately reduce EtO emissions in Lake County. "Administrator Wheeler has a responsibility to ensure his agency is doing everything it can to protect the public health of all Illinois families," Durbin said. "Without stronger standards, inspections, and emissions monitoring of this deadly chemical, Illinois communities will continue to be at risk." Casten and Durbin were joined by U.S. Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Bill Foster (D-IL- 11), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) at today's meeting. "While I'm glad that Administrator Wheeler finally met with the Illinois delegation about our ongoing concerns about ethylene oxide exposure in our communities, I am deeply disturbed and extremely frustrated that it took this long. At a time when our constituents are rightly concerned about our health and safety, the U.S. EPA has left our communities in the dark and has failed to mount any satisfactory response," said Casten. "Moving forward, I hope the Administrator will commit to working with us to secure better information on the risks of ethylene oxide and, finall… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-durbin-members-illinois-congressional-delegation-press-epa-administrator | Casten, Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler on Ethylene Oxide Emissions | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06), U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about their concerns about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions at the Medline and Vantage facilities in Lake County. In a meeting with Administrator Wheeler, Durbin pushed for a timeline of regulatory actions by the U.S. EPA, and called on Administrator Wheeler to protect the U.S. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values from industry interests in its rulemaking. They also discussed a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data study that showed higher levels of cancer-causing EtO found in people living near Medline Industries in Waukegan, Illinois. Medline uses EtO to sterilize medical products. Durbin also pressed Administrator Wheeler on what the EPA is doing to immediately reduce EtO emissions in Lake County. Administrator Wheeler has a responsibility to ensure his agency is doing everything it can to protect the public health of all Illinois families, Durbin said. Without stronger standards, inspections, and emissions monitoring of this deadly chemical, Illinois communities will continue to be at risk. Casten and Durbin were joined by U.S. Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Bill Foster (D-IL- 11), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) at today's meeting. While I'm glad that Administrator Wheeler finally met with the Illinois delegation about our ongoing concerns about ethylene oxide exposure in our communities, I am deeply disturbed and extremely frustrated that it took this long. At a time when our constituents are rightly concerned about our health and safety, the U.S. EPA has left our communities in the dark and has failed to mount any satisfactory response, said Casten. Moving forward, I hope the Administrator will commit to working with us to secure better information on the risks of ethylene oxide and, finally, move fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-his-vote-approve-usmca-trade-agreement | Casten Statement on His Vote to Approve the USMCA Trade Agreement | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after he voted in support of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which will replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) as the agreement that regulates trade between the three countries. Congressman Casten's vote in support of the USMCA follows months of negotiations initiated by House Democrats to improve the Trump Administration-negotiated deal that had, amongst other things, weak labor protections and big handouts to drug makers. The successful negotiations resulted in several new key provisions that vastly improve the deal, including overall enforcement of the trade agreement, landmark labor standards and enforcement, and removal of unacceptable giveaways to drug companies. Casten said, "I am proud of the work we have done to push for a better trade deal that will benefit American workers, businesses, and farmers alike. This agreement protects American workers by creating truly enforceable labor standards. It ensures that America can act to lower its prescription drug prices by removing provisions in the original deal that gave lengthy monopoly periods for the most expensive drugs. It maintains American agriculture export markets and improves Canadian market access for U.S. dairy and wheat producers. And lastly, it strengthens our trade relationship with our closest trading allies and supports the 12 million American jobs and the 120,000 U.S. small and medium-size businesses that sell their goods and services to Canada and Mexico. "Although, I believe the provisions in the USMCA will greatly benefit the United States across our economy, this deal is not perfect. I wish we would have seen more action on climate. Given recent scientific estimates, we must account for climate in everything that we do, including trade, in order to achieve the global emissions reductions needed to prevent additional sea-level rise and the other irreversible effects of climate change. Additionally, in the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-congressman-garc-his-vote-against-usmca | Statement from Congressman Garca on his vote against USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) issued the following statement today after voting against the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA, aka NAFTA 2.0): After careful deliberation and many conversations with labor leaders, environmental experts, and advisors in my community and Mexico, I have decided to vote against the USMCA. My parents' generation worked in good manufacturing jobs in Chicago and I saw the devastation caused by job losses resulting from the 1992 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Working conditions and wages for Mexican workers have stagnated, thus contributing to increased pressures to migrate. I hoped the USMCA would significantly improve on the inadequate labor and environmental protections in NAFTA. While I appreciate the work of USMCA negotiators, the final version of the agreement fails to reverse the harm to North American workers caused by NAFTA. I have been working hard to secure improvements since the USMCA draft was released last year. In July, I authored a letter with 27 of my colleagues urging specific improvements. In September, I joined 110 of my colleagues to urge binding climate standards be included in this agreement. Although House Democrats secured some worthwhile changes-- especially eliminating language that would have locked in high drug prices by securing new monopoly rights for pharmaceuticals--- other important demands I made were left out: In the face of a global climate crisis, the USMCA fails to include binding climate standards or even mention the words climate change. Exemptions for U.S. oil and gas firms were maintained through terms that preserved Investor-State Dispute Settlement (ISDS) rights for U.S. firms with contracts in Mexico. The crucial food safety protections known as Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) requirements were left out. Finally, I am concerned about provisions in the USMCA that protect big tech companies while putting consumers' privacy at risk. The agreement shields tech companies from liability for conten… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/floor-statement-congressman-danny-k-davis-vote-impeach-president-donald-j | Floor Statement of Congressman Danny K. Davis On the Vote to Impeach President Donald J. Trump December 18, 2019 | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | This is indeed a sad day for our country. This is indeed a sad day for America, but it is a good day for our constitution. It is a sad day for our country because our President has defied our constitution, our rules, our requirements, and our expectations. It is clear that President Trump places himself above the law, above our constitution, and above the expectations of the American people. At my last Town Hall meeting, which was held Saturday, December 15th, at Malcolm X College in Chicago, someone asked the question: “What is our position on impeachment?” Every person there rose and answered, “Impeach.” Madam Speaker, I make it a rule to follow the dictates of those who elect me; therefore, my vote will be that of the people of the Seventh District of Illinois. Impeach. Impeach. Impeach.This is indeed a sad day for our country. This is indeed a sad day for America, but it is a good day for our constitution. It is a sad day for our country because our President has defied our constitution, our rules, our requirements, and our expectations. It is clear that President Trump places himself above the law, above our constitution, and above the expectations of theAmerican people. At my last Town Hall meeting, which was held Saturday, December 15th, at Malcolm X College in Chicago, someone asked the question: “What is our position on impeachment?” Every person there rose and answered, “Impeach.” Madam Speaker, I make it a rule to follow the dictates of those who elect me; therefore, my vote will be that of the people of the Seventh District of Illinois. Impeach. Impeach. Impeach. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-danny-k-davis-and-paul-gosar-introduce-bipartisan-inventor | Representatives Danny K. Davis and Paul A. Gosar Introduce Bipartisan Inventor Rights Act of 2019 | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Danny K. Davis | D000096 | davis.house.gov | davis | https://davis.house.gov/media | scraper | Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Chair of the Worker and Family Support Subcommittee on the Committee on Ways and Means and Congressman Paul A. Gosar (AZ-04) yesterday introduced the Inventor Rights Act of 2019 today in the Untied States House of Representatives. Under this bill inventors who own their own patent will be permitted to opt out of Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB). Accused infringers will have the right to challenge validity in a regular court of law, which is how the U.S. patent system worked for our first 190 years. If the PTAB is reformed such that it is a faster and cheaper alternative to district court, then inventors will voluntarily participate. Currently, inventors usually only receive a “reasonable royalty”, while even a willful infringer gets to keep most of their profits from using the invention without permission. This bill disgorges all the profits from willful infringers who knew or should have known of their violation of a patent owned by the original inventor. This remedy is consistent with other forms of intellectual property including design patents, copyrights, and trademarks. In addition, inventors that own their own patent will be entitled to: injunctions to prohibit unauthorized use of the invention the right to file suit in their home district recovery of attorney fees that exceed more than 10% of the amount of damages awarded Davis said, “It is imperative that my colleagues and I exercise our constitutional authority to promote progress in the useful arts of intellectual property by securing inventors the exclusive rights to their creations.” The Inventor Rights Act provides narrowly targeted relief only to inventors that own and control their own patents. This bill does not apply to large corporations, drug companies, or typical non-practicing entities. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-supporting-updated-usmca-trade-agreement | Foster Statement Supporting Updated USMCA Trade Agreement | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement in support of the updated United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): "I support and will vote for the updated USMCA trade agreement that is a major improvement over the unenforceable and deeply flawed deal initially proposed by the Trump Administration. House Democrats negotiated and fought for vital changes, including enhancing enforcement for violations of labor standards, increasing environmental protections, and removing provisions that would have raised the cost of prescription drugs for American families. "As we work tirelessly to carry out our constitutionally mandated oversight obligations, we work just as hard to deliver legislation that benefits all Americans, and this state-of-the-art trade agreement is an example of just that. The USMCA brings a 25-year-old trade agreement into the 21st Century and should serve as a template for bipartisan consensus in future trade agreements." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-votes-to-provide-relief-for-illinois-taxpayers-through-bipartisan-salt | Foster Votes to Provide Relief for Illinois Taxpayers through Bipartisan SALT Legislation | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) voted in favor of the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act, which would reverse the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction that that was enacted under the GOP's 2017 tax law. The legislation would eliminate the marriage penalty by doubling the SALT deduction cap to $20,000 for joint filers in 2019 and fully restoring the state and local tax deduction for 2020 and 2021. The cost would be offset by reverting the top individual tax rate from 37 percent to 39.6 percent, the same level as before the GOP tax law. "On top of being a massive giveaway for large corporations and wealthy campaign donors, the Republican tax law actually resulted in a major tax increase for middle class families in Illinois and across America through its repeal of the SALT deduction which allows taxpayers to deduct the taxes they pay at the state and local levels from their federal taxes," Foster said. "Illinois taxpayers already subsidize other states because we pay between 20 and 40 billion dollars more in federal taxes than we receive back in federal spending. Removing the SALT deduction only exacerbates this unfairness by forcing taxpayers to pay federal tax on money they already paid to state and local governments. This is double taxation, and it is wrong." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=4298 | Lipinski: USMCA Not Perfect, But Improvement Over Disastrous NAFTA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement today about his vote in support of The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement: When President Clinton signed the North American Free Trade Agreement into law in 1993, it was sold as a historic deal between the United States, Canada and Mexico that would increase exports and create jobs. But NAFTA was disastrous for American workers and communities all around the country, including in the Third District. NAFTA resulted in the loss of nearly 1 million jobs, lower wages, and a larger trade deficit. Illinois was hit particularly hard as hundreds of thousands of hard-working middle-class families felt the impact of a weakened manufacturing sector. One of my top priorities since I was elected to Congress has been to stop bad trade deals that hurt American workers and fight to replace NAFTA and other bad deals with agreements that help American workers. I helped introduce and push for the 21st Century Workers' Bill of Rights' to establish guidelines for what needs to be contained in trade agreements including the right to unionize, the protection of Buy American laws, environmental safeguards, and a dispute resolution process that does not undermine American sovereignty. The ideal NAFTA replacement would meet all of these guidelines and not undermine the competitiveness of American manufacturing. Today, I helped the House pass the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to replace NAFTA. This was a tough vote for me, but I ultimately decided to support the agreement because, while it has flaws, it is an improvement over the disastrous NAFTA and establishes a floor plan to build from that protects American workers and tries to force Mexico to uphold labor standards that won't undercut American workers. USMCA has the support of the AFL-CIO, whose president called it a vast improvement over both NAFTA and the original agreement negotiated by President Trump last year. The AFL-CIO is particularly supportive of the USMCA's provisions that will allow co… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-passage-usmca | Quigley Statement on Passage of USMCA | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | quigley | https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement after voting in favor of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA): "Our nation has led the global economy: innovating, manufacturing and selling American made goods around the world. Strong trade agreements are critical to our economic success, national security, and maintaining our leadership role on the international stage. It is also important we demand these agreements provide protections for American workers. It has been 25 years since passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement, and it needed to be modernized to fit the economy of the future. Building off the progress made by the Obama administration, the newly revised USMCA makes critical updates to NAFTA and represents a paradigm shift in U.S. trade agreements. "Thanks to the tireless efforts of Democratic leadership, USMCA is a significantly stronger trade deal than it would have been without Speaker Pelosi's intervention. By standing our ground, Democrats secured changes to the actual text of the agreement. The version we passed today is a far better deal than was first presented. It closes enforcement loopholes and streamlines the dispute settlement system to ensure our trading partners fulfill their commitments; strengthenes labor rules and protects worker rights; includes a commitment from all three countries to adopt, implement, and maintain high environmental standards; and removes provisions that contribute to high prescription drug prices. "While this agreement is not perfect, we secured many critical wins for our country. Continuing to participate in international trade in a thoughtful way is vital to our nation's continued success. Due to Democrats hard work, this is a deal we can be proud of. "I will continue to fight for high standards around the world to combat the climate crisis, protect workers, and continue our nation's economic growth." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-lower-federal-tax-burden-illinois | Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes to Lower Federal Tax Burden on Illinois Homeowners | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin L. Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | robinkelly | https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement following her "YES" vote on the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377), which will reduce the federal tax burden on Illinois homeowners created by the GOP Tax Scam: "When Congressional Republicans rammed through their GOP Tax Scam, they raised taxes on Illinois homeowners by needlessly capping the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000 per year. The imposition of this cap resulted in higher federal taxes on homeowners in Illinois and other so-called "blue" states which tend to have higher state and local taxes. Since the passage of the GOP Tax Scam, American families have come out strongly against this provision and the law generally. Much of the opposition is rooted in the simple fact that the bill gave more than 80 percent of the benefits to a small, handful of super rich American families while middle and working-class families in Illinois and around the country were left paying the bill. This legislation, approved today, doubles the allowed SALT deduction and is a first step toward correcting the problems created by the GOP Tax Scam, a partisan bill that raised taxes of many working and middle-class Illinois families. House Democrats are focusing on kitchen table issues that matter to Illinois families. Passage of this bill, along with our efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, address gun violence and raise the minimum wage, is House Democrats delivering on our For The People promise." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-to-lower-federal-tax-burden-on-illinois | Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes to Lower Federal Tax Burden on Illinois Homeowners | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement following her YES vote on the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377), which will reduce the federal tax burden on Illinois homeowners created by the GOP Tax Scam: When Congressional Republicans rammed through their GOP Tax Scam, they raised taxes on Illinois homeowners by needlessly capping the state and local tax (SALT) deduction at $10,000 per year. The imposition of this cap resulted in higher federal taxes on homeowners in Illinois and other so-called blue states which tend to have higher state and local taxes. Since the passage of the GOP Tax Scam, American families have come out strongly against this provision and the law generally. Much of the opposition is rooted in the simple fact that the bill gave more than 80 percent of the benefits to a small, handful of super rich American families while middle and working-class families in Illinois and around the country were left paying the bill. This legislation, approved today, doubles the allowed SALT deduction and is a first step toward correcting the problems created by the GOP Tax Scam, a partisan bill that raised taxes of many working and middle-class Illinois families. House Democrats are focusing on kitchen table issues that matter to Illinois families. Passage of this bill, along with our efforts to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, address gun violence and raise the minimum wage, is House Democrats delivering on our For The People promise. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-yes-key-trade-deal-will-benefit-local | Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes “YES” on Key Trade Deal, Will Benefit Local Farmers & Businesses | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin L. Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | robinkelly | https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve the revised United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). "The Second District is unique; it encompasses urban, suburban and rural communities, including parts of the nation's 3rd largest city and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities," said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. "Trade deals are only good when they benefit Illinois farmers, workers and businesses. After rounds of critical negotiations and revisions, I'm confident that the newly revised USMCA will grow the economy and opportunity in Illinois." According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, one in five Illinois acres are planted to feed consumers in Mexico and Canada. Illinois farmer sell roughly one billion in agricultural exports to our northern and southern neighbor which supports thousands of Illinois jobs. In an OpEd for the Kankakee Daily Journal explaining her support for the revised trade agreement, Congresswoman Kelly highlighted the significant challenges facing local farmers, namely the failed trade war and recent extreme weather. During the first two days of the failed Trump Trade War, Illinois soybean and pork producers lost a collective $380 million in market value. As the trade war continued, Illinois farmers lost market share to competitors from Brazil and Russia. These bad trade policies coupled with low commodity prices have been driving a historic level of farm bankruptcies, especially family farms. Additionally, extreme weather has delayed planting and destroyed crops across the Midwest increasing the pressure on already struggling farmers. "The men and women who feed our families are in desperate need of a critical lifeline. The USMCA coupled with other efforts, like delaying crop insurance premium payments, are critical efforts to stem the tide and start reversing years of thin margins and losses,… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-votes-yes-on-key-trade-deal-will-benefit-local | Congresswoman Robin Kelly Votes YES on Key Trade Deal, Will Benefit Local Farmers & Businesses | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly joined an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House of Representatives to approve the revised United States-Canada-Mexico Agreement (USMCA). The Second District is unique; it encompasses urban, suburban and rural communities, including parts of the nation's 3rd largest city and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities, said Congresswoman Robin Kelly. Trade deals are only good when they benefit Illinois farmers, workers and businesses. After rounds of critical negotiations and revisions, I'm confident that the newly revised USMCA will grow the economy and opportunity in Illinois. According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, one in five Illinois acres are planted to feed consumers in Mexico and Canada. Illinois farmer sell roughly one billion in agricultural exports to our northern and southern neighbor which supports thousands of Illinois jobs. In an OpEd for the Kankakee Daily Journal explaining her support for the revised trade agreement, Congresswoman Kelly highlighted the significant challenges facing local farmers, namely the failed trade war and recent extreme weather. During the first two days of the failed Trump Trade War, Illinois soybean and pork producers lost a collective $380 million in market value. As the trade war continued, Illinois farmers lost market share to competitors from Brazil and Russia. These bad trade policies coupled with low commodity prices have been driving a historic level of farm bankruptcies, especially family farms. Additionally, extreme weather has delayed planting and destroyed crops across the Midwest increasing the pressure on already struggling farmers. The men and women who feed our families are in desperate need of a critical lifeline. The USMCA coupled with other efforts, like delaying crop insurance premium payments, are critical efforts to stem the tide and start reversing years of thin margins and losses, added Cong… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/chairman-rush-delivers-remarks-at-energy-and-commerce-press-conference | Chairman Rush Delivers Remarks at Energy and Commerce Press Conference on End of Year Accomplishments | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), Chairman of the Energyand Commerce Subcommittee onEnergy, delivered remarks highlighting the Subcomittee'send of year accomplishmentsalongside other Committee leaders. Rush Remarks as Delivered: I want to thank my Chairman, Mr. Pallone, and I want to thank the Vice Chair of the Committee. As we stand here in this room the John Dingell Committee Room I just want to take a note and say that the work that we accomplished this year in some great sense was based on the work that preceded us by the Chairman John Dingell. This is a breastplate that I received from his office when he retired, and I'm proud to have this memento of his work that he did for the American people. I am appalled, and I join with a chorus of others who demand that this midget-minded man called President Trump, that he apologizes to Debbie Dingell to the people of Michigan, to all of America for his demeaning and ill-advised comments trying to tear down the work of an American giant. He can't even reach the soles of John Dingell's feet, and his words certainly are empty as he tried to demean the work of one of the finest Americans and one of the finest members of Congress that this Congress has ever seen. Today presents an opportunity for reflection as a year passes and focused discussion as we approach another. As the proud Chairman of this Committee's Subcommittee on Energy, I appreciate the opportunity to call attention to its recent contributions. This year alone we have: Enhanced public safety and security by seeking opportunities to modernize the electric grid as well as passing legislation out of Committee to expand pipeline safety; Made our country's energy infrastructure more effective by reinforcing energy efficiency in our buildings and homes; Prioritized diversity in the clean energy workforce by moving the Blue and Green Collar Jobs Development Act; and Contributed to the Committee's broader mission to create a clean energy economy to combat climate change. And… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-in-support-of-the-united-states-mexico-canada-agreement-usmca | Rush Votes in Support of the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush voted in support of H.R. 5430, the United StatesMexicoCanada Agreement (USMCA) Implementation Act, which includes a series of transformative improvements to the Trump Administration's USMCA as originally proposed and will set a new floor for standards in future U.S. trade agreements. Illinois depends on our reciprocal trading relationship with Canada and Mexico, which supports almost half a million jobs in Illinois. However, I have also seen the damage wrought by well-meaning free trade agreements, such as NAFTA, that have caused many well-paying jobs to leave my district. That is why I am pleased to see the implementation of the USMCA, which includes key provisions secured by House Democrats. In particular, this trade agreement will create a new labor enforcement mechanism that protects workers' rights and holds non-compliant actors accountable, as well as a new customs verification mechanism to make sure that our trading partners are complying with international environmental agreements. These provisions were conspicuously absent from the original USMCA proposed by the Trump Administration but have since been included at the behest of this House of Representatives. This new and improved trade deal will support workers, protect the environment, and bring down prescription drug prices. With that said, this trade deal is but a first step in creating even stronger deals which benefit American workers, said Rush. The USMCA is supported by the following organizations: American Council of Life Insurers AFL-CIO AgriBank District Farm Credit Council Alliance for American Manufacturing AMCOT American Chemistry Council American Cotton Producers American Farm Bureau Federation American Feed Industry Association American Petroleum Institute American Soybean Association American Trucking Association Association for Accessible Medicines Association of Equipment Manufacturers AT&T Business Roundtable Campaign for Sustainable Rx Pricing Cargill Coalition of Service Indus… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-to-eliminate-the-10000-cap-on-state-and-local-tax-salt | Rush Votes to Eliminate the $10,000 Cap on State and Local Tax (SALT) Deductions | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted in support of H.R.5377, the Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act of 2019. This bill would eliminate the $10,000 cap on the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, one of the more damaging provisions of the GOP Tax Scam. The bill would also restore the top individual income tax rate to the pre-GOP Tax Scam levels and double the deduction for educators' and first responders' out-of-pocket expenses. The Republican tax scam was nothing more than a modern-day smash and grab carried out by the President and his enablers in Congress, amounting to a massive giveaway to the wealthiest tax bracket while middle- and lower-income Americans were left footing the bill. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act of 2019 reverses this injustice by shifting the tax burden away from the middle class. The low cap on this critical deduction was deliberately designed to penalize those Americans living in Democratic congressional districts and has unquestionably harmed Illinoisans across the state. Moreover, the cap on SALT deductions has undermined crucial state and local investments in public services that benefit the entire community, such as schools, roads, first responders, and public health programs. Eliminating this cap will not only make the tax code more equitable, but it will also come as a welcome relief to state and local governments who have faced unreasonable pressure to cut revenues and, ultimately, services. H.R. 5377 also increases the deduction for educators' and first responders' out-of-pocket expenses and creates an above-the-line deduction for unreimbursed expenses for those who typically pay out of pocket. Additionally, the bill would eliminate the marriage penalty in 2019, allowing married couples filing jointly to deduct $20,000 and married couples filing separately to each claim $10,000. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-5th-circuit-decision-against-individual-mandate | Schakowsky Statement on 5th Circuit Decision Against Individual Mandate | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, reacted after a split 5th Circuit Court of Appeals panel ruled 2 to 1 against the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate. The individual mandate is a central part of the ACA, requiring everyone to have health care coverage or pay a penalty with their annual tax filings. The circuit instructed the District Court, which had previously struck down the entirety of the Affordable Care Act, to determine the next steps, including the possibility of again striking down the ACA. Schakowsky offered the following statement: I am disgusted that the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has punted on their responsibility to uphold the constitution and has instead chosen to imperil the health care of the hundreds of millions of Americans who rely on the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and its protections to survive, including over 130 million Americans living with preexisting conditions. The Court was only able to make this decision because President Trump's Department of Justice refused to defend the ACA against an illogical lawsuit brought by Republican-led states after Congressional Republicans were unsuccessful in repealing the Affordable Care Act in 2017. Furthermore, the individual mandate is only being struck down because of the nefarious language tucked into President Trump's signature legislative achievement, the Republican tax scam. While the Republican sabotage of the Affordable Care Act is dangerous and more threatening than ever, there is still hope. The ACA is still the law of the land. Democratic states and our House Democratic Majority have joined this lawsuit to defend your care and I will keep fighting to protect the ACA. But the Court's decision today also reminds us that we must keep fighting for universal, high quality health care for all. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-passage-us-mexico-canada-agreement | Schakowsky Statement On Passage of U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Access to Medicines Co-Lead on Speaker Pelosi's 8-Member NAFTA Working Group, spoke on the U.S. House floor today prior to the final vote on the United States Mexico Canada Trade Agreement. Her full statement is below: "M. Speaker, I rise in support of the United States Mexico Canada trade agreement. This is the first trade agreement I'm voting for in my twenty years plus in the United States Congress. I'm proud to have served on Speaker Pelosi's working group that helped negotiate it, chaired by Richie Neal. The renegotiated NAFTA is far, far better than the original North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It's also far better than the deeply flawed trade deal President Trump handed us last year. For example, the Trump Administration tried to tuck in huge gifts to Big Pharma that would have raised medicine prices throughout the hemisphere. From Day 1 of our negotiations, I insisted that the biologics exclusivity provision be removed. Today it's gone. We also removed protections for secondary patents that would have increased drug prices in the U.S and revised unfair provisions to ensure generic competition and to improve access to affordable medicines for people across North America. Without the changes forced by the Working Group and our staff, the Speaker, and AFL-CIO President Rich Trumka, we would not be voting on this agreement today. This agreement is not perfect, and therefore cannot serve as a template for future trade agreements. The renegotiated USCMA still includes a gift to Big Tech that provides a liability shield for all content on internet platforms called Section 230. I seek unanimous consent to insert into the record a letter from Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone and Ranking Member Greg Walden that says we cannot allow Section 230 in future trade agreements. Still, I urge all my colleagues to support USMCAthe new floor for workers and consumers in trade agreements that we can and must build on moving forw… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-presses-us-epa-issue-ethylene-oxide-regulations-meeting-administrator | Schneider Presses U.S. EPA to Issue Ethylene Oxide Regulations in Meeting with Administrator Wheeler | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | On Wednesday, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler and pressed the Administrator about the U.S. EPA's responsibilities to inform the public about the dangers of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions and the need to urgently pass new, stricter regulations of the chemical. Schneider met with Wheeler as a part of an Illinois delegation meeting on EtO organized by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). Schneider also personally invited Wheeler to meet with the bipartisan Congressional Ethylene Oxide Task Force, which he recently formed with Rep. Jody Hice (R-GA), to discuss the need for U.S. EPA to conduct public outreach on EtO. Schneider hand-delivered to Wheeler a letter signed by all 11 members of the bipartisan task force setting a deadline of February 28, 2020 to issue its proposed regulations on EtO. Read the Letter to U.S. EPA Administrator Wheeler from Congressional Ethylene Oxide Task Force Our community has waited for too long while U.S. EPA continues to drag its feet on properly regulating ethylene oxide, said Schneider. Today, I invited Administrator Wheeler to meet with our bipartisan Congressional EtO Task Force so he can hear from those of us who represent communities across the country about how the U.S. EPA's silence is affecting our constituents. We also gave the U.S. EPA a firm deadline for issuing new EtO regulations these new rules are long overdue and there is zero reason for further delay. PHOTO: Rep. Brad Schneider, Sen. Dick Durbin, and other members of the Illinois congressional delegation meet with U.S. EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler on December 18, 2019. The bipartisan task force supports legislative efforts likeH.R. 1152, introduced by Schneider, which would require U.S. EPA to issue new, strict EtO emissions standards for medical sterilization and chemical facilities and require the U.S. EPA to notify the public no more than 30 days after it learns that the new standards have been violated. A majority of task force memb… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-s-legislation-reduce-taxes-middle-class-families-passes-house | Underwoods Legislation to Reduce Taxes for Middle Class Families Passes House | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTONToday, legislation co-sponsored and championed by Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) to reduce taxes for middle class families passed the House of Representatives. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377) would end the burden on middle class families caused by the 2017 Republican tax law's $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. This deduction was previously unlimited. The legislation would help middle class families by immediately eliminating the marriage penalty, which currently does not allow two married people a higher SALT deduction than single taxpayers, and eliminating the SALT deduction cap altogether in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, the bill doubles the educator expense deduction to $500, helping over 13,000 teachers in the 14th District afford classroom supplies, and creates a new $500 expense deduction for first responders, helping to defray the cost of uniforms and training programs. Underwood has been fighting for changes to the SALT deduction since she was sworn into Congress, and introduced her own legislation, H.R. 1757, in March. Before the Republican tax law took effect, taxpayers in our community were able to deduct all of their state and local taxes before calculating their federal tax billthe average amount is over $14,000 and well over $20,000 for some in our community. Now they're limited to just $10,000a loss of thousands for middle class families. This bill would help middle class Illinois families who were unfairly harmed by the Republican tax law by allowing them to once again deduct all of their state and local taxes, said Rep. Underwood. In Congress, Underwood has continuously fought to provide tax relief for Illinois families unfairly harmed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In January, Underwood urged the Internal Revenue Service to address the disproportionate tax burden being placed upon Illinois families due to changes in the SALT deduction as passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In a letter, Underwood expressed conce… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwoods-legislation-reduce-taxes-middle-class-families-passes-house | Underwood’s Legislation to Reduce Taxes for Middle Class Families Passes House | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON—Today, legislation co-sponsored and championed by Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) to reduce taxes for middle class families passed the House of Representatives. The Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (H.R. 5377) would end the burden on middle class families caused by the 2017 Republican tax law's $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction. This deduction was previously unlimited. The legislation would help middle class families by immediately eliminating the marriage penalty, which currently does not allow two married people a higher SALT deduction than single taxpayers, and eliminating the SALT deduction cap altogether in 2020 and 2021. Additionally, the bill doubles the educator expense deduction to $500, helping over 13,000 teachers in the 14th District afford classroom supplies, and creates a new $500 expense deduction for first responders, helping to defray the cost of uniforms and training programs. Underwood has been fighting for changes to the SALT deduction since she was sworn into Congress, and introduced her own legislation, H.R. 1757, in March. "Before the Republican tax law took effect, taxpayers in our community were able to deduct all of their state and local taxes before calculating their federal tax bill—the average amount is over $14,000 and well over $20,000 for some in our community. Now they're limited to just $10,000—a loss of thousands for middle class families. This bill would help middle class Illinois families who were unfairly harmed by the Republican tax law by allowing them to once again deduct all of their state and local taxes," said Rep. Underwood. In Congress, Underwood has continuously fought to provide tax relief for Illinois families unfairly harmed by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. In January, Underwood urged the Internal Revenue Service to address the disproportionate tax burden being placed upon Illinois families due to changes in the SALT deduction as passed in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. In a letter, Underwood express… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/12/20/2019/duckworth-responds-to-faa-tsa-federal-employees-being-overlooked-on-paid-family-leave | Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2019 Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave Duckworth joins Senators Schumer, Schatz, Murray, Reed, Peters, Cantwell to cosponsor a legislative fix to address the problem [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding the exclusion of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) workers, including air traffic controllers, from being eligible for 12 weeks of paid family leave that other federal employees are now eligible for under the newly-passed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). In the most prosperous nation in the history of the world, no one should have to choose between caring for a sick child or family member and losing their job, Duckworth said. Every working American deserves paid family leave and, while I appreciate the monumental achievement of ensuring federal employees finally gain access 12 weeks of paid leave, it's disappointing that FAA and TSA workers were left behind due to a legislative drafting error. I stand by Senators Schumer and Schatz to address this oversight. Expanding paid family is a major priority for Senator Duckworth. She has introduced legislation that would update the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to help more educational support professionals (ESP) at schools teacher's assistants, custodians and maintenance staff, among others access its benefits without the risk of losing their job. Duckworth also helped introduce the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would establish a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program that will provide 12 weeks of paid leave for workers who need time to care for a newborn or adopted child, a seriously ill family member, or their own serious health condition. -30- Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-responds-to-faa-tsa-federal-employees-being-overlooked-on-paid-family-leave | Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2019 Duckworth Responds to FAA, TSA Federal Employees Being Overlooked on Paid Family Leave [WASHINGTON, DC] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding the error in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that excluded FAA and TSA federal employees from being eligible for 12 weeks of paid family leave No one should have to choose between caring for a sick child or family member and missing a paycheck, or losing their job, and that remains true for FAA and TSA workers who have been left off the list of federal employees who would benefit from 12 weeks of paid family leave. Every family in America deserves paid family leave and, while I appreciate the progress that has been made in the 2020 NDAA, it's disappointing that FAA and TSA workers were left behind. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to quickly fix this critical error. Expanding paid family is a major priority for Senator Duckworth. She has introduced legislation that would update the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to help more educational support professionals (ESP) at schools teacher's assistants, custodians and maintenance staff, among others access its benefits without the risk of losing their job. Duckworth also helped introduce the Family and Medical Insurance Leave (FAMILY) Act, which would establish a comprehensive paid family and medical leave program that will provide 12 weeks of paid leave for workers who need time to care for a newborn or adopted child, a seriously ill family member, or their own serious health condition. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-secures-big-wins-to-support-and-protect-the-great-lakes | Duckworth Secures Big Wins to Support and Protect the Great Lakes | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2019 Duckworth Secures Big Wins to Support and Protect the Great Lakes [WASHINGTON, D.C.] This week, two provisions led by U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) to support the Great Lakes were included in the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE), which was voted out of the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee and will now be considered by the full Senate. Duckworth and is Ranking Member of the EPW Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife. The Great Lakes support 1.5 million jobs and provide drinking water to tens of millions of Americans and it's our duty to keep them healthy and strong for decades to come, said Senator Duckworth. These provisions will make sure critical research needed to protect the Great Lakes can continue and the invasive species that threaten the environment and economy can be rooted out. The first provision Duckworth led provides $15 million for five years to help ensure assessments and monitoring of the Great Lakes, support the deployment of new technologies for better fishery management, and improve the multi-billion Great Lakes fishery. It was also included in the government funding bill that was passed in both chambers of Congress and is expected to be signed into law. Duckworth's second provision included in ACE will provide $2.5 million for five years in assistance for agencies across the federal government that have strategies to prevent invasive species from doing irreparable harm to our environment and economy. As the top Democrat on the Senate Subcommittee on Fisheries, Water and Wildlife, Duckworth has been a strong advocate for protecting the Great Lakes from threats like toxic pollution, invasive species and President Trump's budget cuts. She and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) had several of their priorities included in the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, including improving federal cost sharing at Brandon Road Lock and Dam. Last year, Duckworth also introduced the Great Lakes Water Protection Act … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-statement-on-the-impeachment-of-president-trump | Duckworth Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 19, 2019 Duckworth Statement on the Impeachment of President Trump [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump: The fact that a majority of duly elected representatives of the American people voted to impeach Donald Trump is not something anyone should celebrate. This is a grave moment in our nation's history. In the coming weeks, every single United States Senator will be required to raise their right hand and swear an oath to do impartial justice according to the Constitution and laws.' I take this oath very seriously. Most of my careerboth military and civilianhas been dedicated to defending and upholding our Constitution. Accordingly, I will reserve judgement and carry out my Constitutional duty of serving as an impartial juror. I urge Senator McConnell to do the same and allow for a full and fair trial. If the facts do not prove the charges laid out in the articles of impeachment, I will be the first to say so. But if the facts are hidden or if Senate Republicans enable thisor anyPresident to decide for themselves what the limits of their power are, they will not only be violating their oaths, they will do irreparable damage to our system of checks and balances as well. No one who claims to respect the Constitution or our nation should allow that to happen. -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-announces-5-million-in-new-rural-ems-funding-in-year-end-funding-bill | Durbin Announces $5 Million In New Rural EMS Funding In Year-End Funding Bill | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Durbin Announces $5 Million In New Rural EMS Funding In Year-End Funding Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee and Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced the inclusion of $5 million in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill for a new grant program that supports rural fire and emergency medical services (EMS). The funding, created through Durbin's Supporting and Improving Rural EMS Needs (SIREN) Act, supports EMS agencies in training and recruiting staff, conducting certification courses, and purchasing equipmentfor everything from naloxone and first aid kits, to power stretchers or new ambulances. Durbin's bipartisan SIREN Act was signed into law last year as part of the Farm Bill and this is the first year of annual funding for the grant program. In many small and rural towns in Illinois and across the country, rural fire and EMS agencies are a lifeline in their communities. One of the biggest challenges I've heard from rural EMS professionals is a lack of steady funding to support their operations. After meeting with rural EMS officials from Nauvoo, Illinois, I introduced the SIREN Act last year. I'm pleased this new grant program can finally start bringing much needed funding to our rural communities, Durbin said. Earlier this year, Durbin joined leaders from the Nauvoo Fire Protection District to discuss passage and implementation of the SIREN Act. He was joined by Mark Kennedy, a paramedic for the Nauvoo Fire Protection District and Chair of the Illinois chapter of the National Association of EMTs, whose advocacy efforts helped with passage of the SIREN Act. A decline in primary care and hospital service availability, great distances between health care facilities, and low insurance reimbursement for transport and emergency treatment have all strained rural EMS agencies. At the same time, EMS agencies today are tasked with ever-greater responsibilitiespreparing for natural and manmade disasters and bioterror thr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-cramer-smith-applaud-inclusion-of-bill-to-lower-cost-of-insulin-for-patients-in-year-end-funding-bill | Durbin, Cramer, Smith Applaud Inclusion Of Bill To Lower Cost Of Insulin For Patients In Year-End Funding Bill | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Durbin, Cramer, Smith Applaud Inclusion Of Bill To Lower Cost Of Insulin For Patients In Year-End Funding Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), and Tina Smith (D-MN) today applauded the inclusion in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bill of their Affordable Insulin Approvals Now Act, a bipartisan bill to speed up approvals of lower-cost, generic insulin products in order to help reduce prices of this life-saving medication for patients. Approximately 7.5 million Americans with diabetes rely on insulin every day to survive, yet the drug has experienced a price increase of more than 600 percent over the past two decades in the United States. Big Pharma's insulin price gouging is driving families and children to extraordinarily dangerous lengths like rationing dosages in order to afford a lifesaving medication. I'm pleased my bipartisan bill to accelerate FDA's review and help lower the cost of insulin will become the law of the land, Durbin said. Increasing the amount of generic and low-cost insulin in the market will decrease the burden placed on patients who rely on these drugs, said Cramer. I am pleased to see our bipartisan bill included in this package, and I plan to keep working to find more ways to encourage competition and free market solutions to the rising cost of health care. People with diabetes in Minnesota and across the country who need insulin to survive should not be forced into economic distress or dangerous rationing practices to afford Big Pharma's skyrocketing prices,said Smith.By successfully securing our measure in this spending package to speed up the FDA approval process and bring low-cost insulin products to market, we're taking steps to make this life-sustaining medication more accessible and affordable for families nationwide. This bill will lower the price of insulin by promoting competition and bringing lower-cost generic products to market soonerspecifically by requiring FDA to continue reviewing generic insulin applic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-king-smith-sinema-secure-7-million-for-competitive-grants-supporting-open-textbooks-in-year-end-funding-bill | Durbin, King, Smith, Sinema Secure $7 Million for Competitive Grants Supporting Open Textbooks in Year-End Funding Bill | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Durbin, King, Smith, Sinema Secure $7 Million For Competitive Grants Supporting Open Textbooks In Year-End Funding Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL),Angus King (I-ME), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ)today applauded the inclusion of$7 million in additional funding and report language for the continued implementation of the Open Textbooks Pilot in the FiscalYear (FY) 2020 appropriationsbill a $2 million increase from FY19.The Open Textbooks Pilot, based onthe Senators'Affordable College Textbook Act,is a competitive grant program to support the creation and expand the use of open college textbookstextbooks that are available under an open license, allowing professors, students, researchers, and others to freely access the materials. The FY19 funding follows $5 million the Senators secured for the Pilot in FY17 and FY18. With this additional funding, more colleges and universities across the country will be able to participate in the pilotbringing critical cost-savings to more students. I encourage all interested institutions in Illinois and across the country to apply. It's imperative, to ensure the maximum savings for students, that the Department of Education allocate this funding as Congress has directed it in the bill, Durbin said. College is expensive enough textbooks shouldn't drive the price even higher, said King. The expansion of the Open Textbooks Pilot is an important opportunity to help more students affordably access the tools they need to succeed. I hear from college students in Minnesota who struggle with the high cost of textbooks, and sometimes forgo materials needed for class. It's my hope that with this additional funding more students and institutions will be able to benefit from open textbooks, in Minnesota and across the country, said Smith. These efforts will help save students money and ultimately help bring down the amount of student loan debt that young people graduate with. Steeptextbookcostsshould never hold an Arizonan back from an… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-bipartisan-government-funding-bills | Durbin Statement On Bipartisan Government Funding Bills | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Durbin Statement On Bipartisan Government Funding Bills WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, today released the following statement after voting for the bipartisan Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 appropriations bills, which secure funding for important priorities for American families and our national security: These funding bills include important investments for Illinoisans and Americans across the country, including increased funding for our troops, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) including funding for CDC and NIH to conduct gun violence research for the first time in 25 years. The bills also provide critical funding for our veterans and their caregivers, for protecting the Great Lakes region, and for infrastructure programs such as BUILD grants, Capital Investment Grants, and Amtrak. Importantly, these funding bills will prevent another disastrous government shutdown. While not perfect, these bills reject many of the terrible cuts President Trump proposed in his budget and invest in the programs that Americans rely on. -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-epas-final-renewable-fuel-standards-blending-targets-rule | Durbin Statement On EPA's Final Renewable Fuel Standards Blending Targets Rule | 2019-12-19 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.19 Durbin Statement On EPA's Final Renewable Fuel Standards Blending Targets Rule WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, today released the following statement expressing concern over the finalized supplemental rule establishing the Renewable Fuel Standard's (RFS) 2020 Renewable Volume Obligations and 2021 Biomass-Based Diesel Volumes: By issuing 85 waivers that allow oil refineries to stop blending biofuels, President Trump has single-handedly delivered one crippling blow after another to everyone who invested decades in building the biofuels industry. This watered-down RFS deal makes me wonder if we will ever see a biofuels market under this President like we once had. There are few options remaining to fix the damage, Durbin said. President Trump claims his love for ethanol and biodiesel is strong. I say believe it when you see it. The RFS, which Durbin helped pass, has proven critical to strengthening states' rural and agricultural economies while also helping to ensure a clean energy future. Last week, Durbin, along with eight other Senators, sent a letter to the EPA arguing that the rulewhich determines how much biofuel is required to be blended into our transportation fuel supply on an annual basisfails to adequately account for the small refinery exemption (SREs) waivers, including those given to big oil companies. Since 2016, the Trump Administration has granted 85 SREs, effectively waiving more than four billion gallons of biofuels. Durbin, along with U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Deb Fischer (R-NE), introduced a bipartisan bill that would require EPA transparency with small refinery hardship waivers. -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-pass-funding-packages-with-major-local-wins/ | Bustos Helps Pass Funding Packages With Major Local Wins | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | With Critical Bustos Provisions Included, Appropriations Bills Pass Full House Washington Yesterday, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, helped pass, out of the House of Representatives, two major funding packages to fully fund the federal government. Congresswoman Bustos secured sweeping wins for hardworking Illinoisans in both packages, including provisions addressing health care needs in rural America, ensuring our nation's veterans have access to services regardless of their zip code, strengthening our military and support for our servicemembers, investing in infrastructure, from roads and bridges to locks and dams, securing our elections and more. I am proud that we have delivered solutions to help veterans access care, improve rural health care access, reinforce our long tradition of service, assist our teachers and more, Congresswoman Bustos said. This legislation will fully fund our government while also investing in our region, state and country. This week, I cast my vote to support this meaningful step towards improving the lives of so many Illinoisans. By fully funding the federal government, this legislation will avert a disastrous shutdown like the one that hurt families in Illinois and across the country last year. The first package consists of the domestic and international assistance appropriations bills, which reflect eight appropriations priorities: Labor-Health and Human Services-Education, Agriculture, Energy and Water Development, Interior-Environment, Legislative Branch, Military Construction-Veterans Affairs, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-Housing and Urban Development. The second package is focused on national security appropriations and includes four appropriations bills: Defense, Commerce-Justice-Science, Financial Services and General Government, and Homeland Security. BACKGROUND As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, Congresswoman Bustos worked to secure a number of critical victories for Illin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-votes-articles-impeachment | Casten Votes for Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C – Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after he voted in support of both Articles of Impeachment against the President of the United States. Last week, Casten announced his support and earlier today, he spoke on the Floor in favor of the Articles. Casten said, "Impeaching the President was not a step I foresaw when I began my service as a Representative. However, as an elected official, I took an oath to protect and defend the Constitution, against all enemies, foreign and domestic. The Constitution explicitly includes impeachment as a final check against those who would wield executive power in the service of ‘treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors'. These abuses of power are exactly what President Trump committed when he withheld military aid to an ally to pressure a foreign government to investigate a political rival, and then systematically obstructed Congress' ability to learn the truth of his actions. These are the deeply troubling facts that led me to vote for both Articles of Impeachment and uphold my Constitutional responsibility to protect our Nation. No matter the outcome of this process, I will continue to fight to ensure a better future for all and future generations to come, including combating the climate crisis, providing accessible health care, and ensuring a growing economy that benefits all Americans." Now it is the U.S. Senate's Constitutional responsibility to hold a trial to determine whether to convict the President. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-jes-s-chuy-garc-s-statement-impeachment-donald-j-trump | Congressman Jess Chuy Garcas Statement on the Impeachment of Donald J. Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C . - Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) issued the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors: Today's vote to impeach the President is sobering. While I have deep disagreements with President Trump on immigration, health care, climate change and other policy areas, I did not come to Washington to impeach the President. I came to represent the voices of my constituents and I take my duty very seriously. The facts tell a disturbing yet highly consistent story. The President's misdeeds have been verified by an immense body of evidence and the testimony of dozens of witnesses--including civil servants and constitutional scholars of the highest caliber. President Trump abused his power to bribe another country for his own personal and political gain. This is wrong. I voted to impeach President Trump to do right by my constituents, the future of our democracy, and to uphold the rule of law and my oath to defend the Constitution. The facts are clear. The President obstructed Congressional investigations by instructing his accomplices to ignore compulsory calls to testify before Congress. No matter how he tries to spin it, President Trump violated the Constitution and must be held accountable. Regrettably, House and Senate Republicans are going along with the President's lies and attempts to cover up his actions. No one is above the law, not even the President. Donald Trump indisputably violated the Constitution and is, without a shadow of a doubt, no longer fit to discharge the duties of the President of the United States of America. # # # | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-impeachment-of-president-trump | Foster Statement on Impeachment of President Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | foster | https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Tonight, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives voted to approve two Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump: "I voted in favor of both Articles of Impeachment because the facts clearly show that President Trump abused the power of his office for his personal political gain and willfully ignored subpoenas lawfully issued by Congress pursuant to the exercise of its constitutional power of impeachment. "With this vote, the House has placed itself on the right side of history. Under our democratic system of constitutional checks and balances, no person – not even the President – is above the law or immune from facing consequences for their actions. Today, we voted to hold the President accountable to the American people." The House voted 230-197 to impeach President Trump for abuse of power. The House voted 229-198 to impeach President Trump for obstruction of Congress. The Articles will now be sent to the Senate for consideration at trial. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=4297 | Lipinski Presses EPA Administrator Wheeler to Update EtO Regulations Based on Best Available Health Science | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3), Senator Dick Durbin (IL), and other Members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation met with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler today to discuss ongoing concerns about health impacts of ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions in Illinois communities. Members pressed Administrator Wheeler to update emissions standards for EtO in a timely manner that takes into account the best available science and to better communicate health risks with impacted communities. The health risks of EtO became widely known in 2016 when the U.S. EPA's Office of Research and Development released an updated Integrated Risk Information System assessment and found that the inhalation cancer risk of ethylene oxide was 30 times greater than previously estimated. The EPA has not yet committed to using this health risk evaluation and has indicated it will seek comment on alternative risk assessments for consideration when finalizing the rule for EtO regulations. I have serious concerns that the EPA is beginning to undermine its own risk analysis for ethylene oxide, Lipinski said. The evidence is overwhelming that ethylene oxide poses significant cancer risks to those exposed to emissions. The EPA's own Office of Research and Development recognized these risks, but now the Agency is questioning its own scientific review. EPA must always err on the side of caution and make protecting the health and safety of communities its overriding priority. Congressman Lipinski and other Members of the Illinois Delegation have repeatedly called for the EPA to promulgate updated, health-based standards that protect communities nationwide from EtO. While dangerously high levels of EtO no longer effect my district since the Sterigenics Willowbrook facility shutdown, we must continue to stand with other effected communities around the nation," Lipinski said. "EPA must quickly update their regulations, relying on the best available science. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-impeachment-president-trump | Quigley Statement on Impeachment of President Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | quigley | https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement after the House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald Trump based on two articles of impeachment: "Today, I cast my vote in favor of impeaching President Donald Trump because if Congress did not hold this President accountable for his actions, we would have forsaken our duty, betrayed our oaths of office, and sent the message that some people can avoid justice. "No one is above the law. "By abusing his power, extorting an ally to meddle in our elections, endangering our democratic process, placing our national security at risk, lying to the American people about his schemes, and obstructing legitimate Congressional investigations, the President has committed impeachable high crimes and misdemeanors. "Nobody comes to Congress to impeach a President. When I came to Congress, I pledged an oath to protect and defend the Constitution. Just because the President of the United States has chosen not to honor his oath, does not mean that I will abandon mine. Today, I cast my vote to protect the future of our democracy." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/editorials/why-i-support-the-new-usmca | Why I support the new USMCA | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Illinois and the Midwest have long been the breadbasket of the world. Soybeans, corn, wheat, pork and other products are proudly grown here and feed people all over the world. Likewise, we still make American steel products, cabinets, pharmaceuticals and beverage cans right here in Kankakee. In order for the goods grown and produced in Illinois to reach markets across the globe, trade is essential. Unfortunately, President Donald Trump's policies have had a devastating impact on local farmers and manufacturers. Over the first two days of his trade war, Illinois soybean and pork producers lost $380 million in market value. Local soybean farmers watched their products spoil, while farmers in Russia and Brazil gobbled up their market share in China, the world's largest market for soybeans. To make matters worse, recent extreme weather and flooding delayed planting and destroyed crops. It was a one-two punch that has pushed a historic number of American farms into bankruptcy. In order to preserve our proud family-farming heritage and the economic benefits that it creates, we must do more to provide local farmers with greater market access. That's where the USMCA comes in. The USMCA, or the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, is a newly revised trade deal between the U.S. and our neighbors and largest trading partners. This new deal, designed to address the negative impacts of the 25-year old NAFTA, will expand market access, protect workers and our environment and work to rein in the outrageous costs of some prescription drugs. While I, like many others, had serious concerns about the first draft of the agreement, I worked with other House Democrats to address these concerns so we could get to yes. It was a long and difficult process, but the results were worth it. In today's global economy, trade is vital to the growth of every community in every country. High-quality trade deals, like the newly revised USMCA, will pay dividends for Illinois farmers, workers, manufacturers and families. I'm g… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-announces-support-for-usmca-0 | Congresswoman Robin Kelly Announces Support for USMCA | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC - Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement declaring her support for the revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): When first announced, I had a number of concerns regarding the USMCA. However, after months of intense negotiations and changes that remedy my concerns, I'm proud to announce my support for this significant trade deal that will foster economic growth and opportunity throughout Illinois. I'm honored to represent the Second Congressional District of Illinois, a unique district that includes urban, suburban and rural communities. Our district includes part of Chicago, the nation's 3rd largest city, and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities. The revised USMCA will further expand markets for Illinois farmers, many of whom are struggling. Recent extreme weather and the failed Trump Trade War have put Illinois farmers at a severe disadvantage. This trade deal is a vital lifeline to farmers as they work to recapture global market share in an increasingly competitive environment. Likewise, new provisions included to protect our environment will ensure that Illinois and the Midwest remains a viable bread basket of the world. I'd like to thank the Kankakee and Illinois Farm Bureaus for their constructive engagement with me on this topic. Hearing from local farmers is vital to my work in Congress and I appreciate the steady, proactive and informative outreach from local farming organizations and their members. In addition to supporting American agriculture, the changes to the USMCA will also benefit Illinois workers and manufacturers. I'm proud that House Democrats were able to bolster worker protections, so workers are treated fairly, and non-compliant factories are held accountable. I also thank the United Steelworkers (USW) and United Automobile Workers (UAW) for their work during this process. Through steadfast advocacy, they were able to ensure a deal that suppo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-robin-kelly-announces-support-usmca-0 | Congresswoman Robin Kelly Announces Support for USMCA | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin L. Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | robinkelly | https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC - Congresswoman Robin Kelly released this statement declaring her support for the revised United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA): "When first announced, I had a number of concerns regarding the USMCA. However, after months of intense negotiations and changes that remedy my concerns, I'm proud to announce my support for this significant trade deal that will foster economic growth and opportunity throughout Illinois. I'm honored to represent the Second Congressional District of Illinois, a unique district that includes urban, suburban and rural communities. Our district includes part of Chicago, the nation's 3rd largest city, and more than 1,200 farms. Representing this district gives me a unique insight into the challenges and impacts of any new trade deal on our communities. The revised USMCA will further expand markets for Illinois farmers, many of whom are struggling. Recent extreme weather and the failed Trump Trade War have put Illinois farmers at a severe disadvantage. This trade deal is a vital lifeline to farmers as they work to recapture global market share in an increasingly competitive environment. Likewise, new provisions included to protect our environment will ensure that Illinois and the Midwest remains a viable bread basket of the world. I'd like to thank the Kankakee and Illinois Farm Bureaus for their constructive engagement with me on this topic. Hearing from local farmers is vital to my work in Congress and I appreciate the steady, proactive and informative outreach from local farming organizations and their members. In addition to supporting American agriculture, the changes to the USMCA will also benefit Illinois workers and manufacturers. I'm proud that House Democrats were able to bolster worker protections, so workers are treated fairly, and non-compliant factories are held accountable. I also thank the United Steelworkers (USW) and United Automobile Workers (UAW) for their work during this process. Through steadfast advocacy, they were able to ensure a deal tha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/impeachment-is-not-an-option-it-s-an-obligation-because-no-one-is-above | Impeachment is not an option, its an obligation because no one is above the law, says Congresswoman Robin Kelly | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, a member of the National Security Oversight Subcommittee, delivered this speech on the House Floor regarding the pending articles of Impeachment against President Donald John Trump for his efforts to recruit a foreign government to interfere in American elections: Madame Speaker, today is a solemn day in America. A day that none of us hoped for when we came to Congress. But the events of today are something that each of us swore that we were prepared to execute in defense of the Constitution of the United States - against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This is the oath that binds the men and women of the 116th Congress, as our democracy implores we defend her. A clear and present threat to American Democracy is what brings us here. The architect, a President who asked that a foreign nation interfere in our election. This was our Founding Fathers' greatest fear. I cast this solemn vote for the many individuals in my district who entrusted me to be their voice in Congress. They entrusted me to uphold our Constitution for them. I vote yes for Sarah in Chicago, Doug in Kankakee, Diane in Flossmoor. Yes, for Kathy in Momence, Kathryn in Crete and Jimmie in Park Forest. The facts are simple. The path forward is clear: impeachment is not an option, it's an obligation because no one is above the law. A video of Congresswoman Kelly's speech can be downloaded here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/impeachment-not-option-its-obligation-because-no-one-above-law-says | “Impeachment is not an option, it’s an obligation because no one is above the law,” says Congresswoman Robin Kelly | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin L. Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | robinkelly | https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, a member of the National Security Oversight Subcommittee, delivered this speech on the House Floor regarding the pending articles of Impeachment against President Donald John Trump for his efforts to recruit a foreign government to interfere in American elections: "Madame Speaker, today is a solemn day in America. A day that none of us hoped for when we came to Congress. But the events of today are something that each of us swore that we were prepared to execute in defense of the Constitution of the United States - against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This is the oath that binds the men and women of the 116th Congress, as our democracy implores we defend her. A clear and present threat to American Democracy is what brings us here. The architect, a President who asked that a foreign nation interfere in our election. This was our Founding Fathers' greatest fear. I cast this solemn vote for the many individuals in my district who entrusted me to be their voice in Congress. They entrusted me to uphold our Constitution for them. I vote yes for Sarah in Chicago, Doug in Kankakee, Diane in Flossmoor. Yes, for Kathy in Momence, Kathryn in Crete and Jimmie in Park Forest. The facts are simple. The path forward is clear: impeachment is not an option, it's an obligation because no one is above the law." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-statement-on-fifth-circuit-s-individual-mandate-ruling | Rush Statement on Fifth Circuits Individual Mandate Ruling | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) released the following statement on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision in Texas v. United States to strike down the Patient Protect Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate provision: I am deeply disappointed in the Fifth Circuit's ruling to strike down the individual mandate and to force millions of Americans to continue to live in fear that the ACA could be struck down in its entirety. The ACA has provided benefits to millions of Americans, such as ensuring protections for those with pre-existing conditions, expanding Medicaid eligibility to low-income individuals in many states, including Illinois; and requiring that patients have access to preventive services at no-cost; just to name a few of the many monumental accomplishments of this landmark legislation. President Trump and his administration have attempted to sabotage the ACA at every turn. While the President may be obsessed with taking away health care from millions of Americans, I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to do just the opposite: we will fight tooth and nail to do everything we can to ensure that Americans have access to affordable and comprehensive health care. I will also continue to closely monitor this case as it progresses, said Rep. Rush. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-to-impeach-president-donald-j-trump | Rush Votes to Impeach President Donald J. Trump | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted in favor of impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. The articles of impeachment charge the President with Abuse of Power and Obstruction of Congress. The articles passed 2301971 and 2291981, respectively. Unfortunately, this President has left us with no choice. Impeachment is the only recourse we have in the face of such an egregious and illegal abuse of power. This President has abused his oath, and his office, by soliciting assistance from a foreign government in a clear attempt to undermine the results of the 2020 election. Furthermore, he has willfully obstructed Congress's constitutionally-endowed rights and obligations, and for that, he must be impeached. The American people cannot have confidence in our Constitutionally-established democratic process if the President the sworn protector of that very process is actively working to undermine it. Simply put, the President is a clear and present threat to our democracy and our national security, and although I take no pleasure in his impeachment, it is what is required both morally and by the constitution, which I have sworn an oath to defend and protect. I am fully persuaded that this President does not respect the law of the land, but instead seems to love the law of the jungle' the law of the brute and the bully. That ends today. No one, including this President, is above the Constitution of the United States of America, said Rep. Rush. A copy of the Articles of Impeachment can be found here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-impeachment-vote | Schakowsky Statement on Impeachment Vote | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, voted in favor of two Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump, and released the following statement after they passed the U.S. House: I've taken an oath eleven times now to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic.' The biggest threat to our Constitution is sitting in the oval office. This President has violated the law at every turn, stealing power from the judiciary and legislative branches and using it to advance his own personal interests. He has jeopardized our national security, abused and tarnished the Office of the President, and proved that he is incapable of putting our nation, its people, and our democracy first. After months of investigations and committee hearings, thousands of pages of reports, and countless hours of witness testimony it became clear that our oath and the Constitution provided only one path forward. A path that led us here, to the introduction and passage of Articles of Impeachment against President Donald J. Trump. It was never my goal or wish to impeach a President. But this summer, my son Ian Schakowsky, reminded me of my oath and said, Mom, this is not about politics. It is not about Party. This has nothing to do with the final outcome it's about doing the right thing, even if others don't.' Today, I did the right thing. I put our nation, its people, and our democracy first, as I swore to do. I voted yes on both Articles of Impeachment against this President. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-brad-schneider-during-impeachment-floor-debate-president-s-actions-demand | Rep. Brad Schneider During Impeachment Floor Debate: The Presidents Actions Demand This Response | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) spoke on the House Floor as members debated articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump (H.Res. 755). VIDEO: Schneider's remarks on the House Floor during Impeachment Debate Schneider's remarks: Madam Speaker, The President abused the power of his office by corruptly putting his own political interests ahead of our nation's security. He blocked Congressionally-authorized military aid to coerce Ukraine to launch a phony investigation into his political rival. In the months since, he has waged a campaign of absolute obstruction against Congress's constitutional authority, ordering all federal officials to defy subpoenas and refusing to produce even a single document. I take no joy in today's impeachment vote or that the President's actions demand this response. This is sad moment for our nation. Only twice before has the House voted to impeach a President, and never before on accusations of compromising national security. I hope in the Senate both prosecution and defense can call and cross-examine witnesses, and the Senators will hear the evidence and make their decisions without prejudice or prejudgment. This is a solemn moment, but our system of checks and balances was designed for times like these. I have faith that our Constitution will guide us on the path ahead. Background: Press Release, Schneider Statement on Articles of Impeachment (December 17, 2019) | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-statement-health-care-repeal-lawsuit-decision | Underwood Statement on the Health Care Repeal Lawsuit Decision | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the Fifth Circuit Court ruling on the Trump Administration-backed lawsuit to overturn the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) and throw the health system of the American people into chaos. Republicans have voted over 70 times to try to repeal the law that guarantees coverage and access to essential care for people with preexisting conditions, requires preventive services without out-of-pocket costs, expands Medicaid, bans junk insurance plans, and allows people up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents' health insurance. After failing dozens of votes, Republicans and the Administration are now attempting to use the courts to deny quality, affordable health care to Americans. "Ever since the Affordable Care Act was passed, Republicans and now this Administration have worked themselves breathless trying to take health care away from millions of Americans. Despite today's ruling and the efforts of those trying to take us back to the days of people with preexisting conditions not being able to get coverage, we will not let up. We need to work together to lower health insurance and prescription drug costs, expand access to mental health services, and improve the quality of health care. I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect health care for Illinoisans, and I won't let up." If the ACA is struck down, the health and financial well-being of Illinois families will be devastated by the GOP's reckless health care assault: 5,471,600 Illinoisans who have preexisting conditions and will lose their protections. 605,000 Illinoisans could lose their health care coverage. 91,000 Illinoisans under age 26 would lose the guarantee of remaining on their parents' insurance. 250,509 Illinoisans would lose tax credits to make coverage more affordable. 187,357 Illinois seniors could have to pay more for their prescription drugs. Illinoisans over age 50 would face a $4,597 "Age Tax" from health insurance companies. Whi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-statement-healthcare-repeal-lawsuit-decision | Underwood Statement on the Health Care Repeal Lawsuit Decision | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement on the Fifth Circuit Court ruling on the Trump Administration-backed lawsuit to overturn the entire Affordable Care Act (ACA) and throw the health system of the American people into chaos. Republicans have voted over 70 times to try to repeal the law that guarantees coverage and access to essential care for people with preexisting conditions, requires preventive services without out-of-pocket costs, expands Medicaid, bans junk insurance plans, and allows people up to the age of 26 to stay on their parents' health insurance. After failing dozens of votes, Republicans and the Administration are now attempting to use the courts to deny quality, affordable health care to Americans. "Ever since the Affordable Care Act was passed, Republicans and now this Administration have worked themselves breathless trying to take health care away from millions of Americans. Despite today's ruling and the efforts of those trying to take us back to the days of people with preexisting conditions not being able to get coverage, we will not let up. We need to work together to lower health insurance and prescription drug costs, expand access to mental health services, and improve the quality of health care. I am committed to doing everything in my power to protect health care for Illinoisans, and I won't let up. If the ACA is struck down, the health and financial well-being of Illinois families will be devastated by the GOP's reckless health care assault: 5,471,600 Illinoisans who have preexisting conditions and will lose their protections. 605,000 Illinoisans could lose their health care coverage. 91,000 Illinoisans under age 26 would lose the guarantee of remaining on their parents' insurance. 250,509 Illinoisans would lose tax credits to make coverage more affordable. 187,357 Illinois seniors could have to pay more for their prescription drugs. Illinoisans over age 50 would face a $4,597 Age Tax from health insurance companies. While the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/12/18/2019/duckworth-durbin-announce-over-178000-to-fight-veteran-homelessness | Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $178,000 to Fight Veteran Homelessness | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2019 Duckworth, Durbin Announce Over $178,000 to Fight Veteran Homelessness [CHICAGO, IL] U.S. Senator and combat Veteran Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced $178,172 in federal funding for housing authorities to reduce homelessness among Veterans across Illinois. The funding, from the Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program, will be used to provide rental assistance, case management and other critical services. Every American is dishonored when a Veteran who fought for this country's freedom must lay his or her head down on the very streets they defended, said Duckworth. This funding will help bring us closer to the goal of eliminating Veteran homelessness once and for all and I look forward to working alongside Senator Durbin toward that goal. Too often, our nation's veterans find themselves facing financial difficulties and the prospect of homelessness, Durbin said. This federal funding will help ensure that local housing authorities across our state have the necessary resources to help veteran families find secure housing. I will continue working alongside Senator Duckworth in the fight to end veteran homelessness. Under today's announcement, the following organizations will receive HUD-VASH funding: $48,024 for Chicago Housing Authority $58,596 for Housing Authority of Champaign County $22,861 for Rockford Housing Authority $19,619 for Winnebago County Housing Authority $29,072 for Housing Authority of the County of Boone For years, Senator Duckworth has advocated for policies to end Veteran homelessness, including her work as the Assistant Secretary of Veterans Affairs, where she coordinated the joint initiative with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to combat the issue. In the Senate, Duckworth has led on a wide range of issues impacting Veterans including a recent trip to Tijuana, Mexico, to honor deported Veterans and offer supportive services. Last mont… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/12/18/2019/duckworth-durbin-booker-introduce-bill-to-enhance-public-housing-oversight-and-transparency-improve-conditions-for-residents | Duckworth, Durbin, Booker Introduce Bill to Enhance Public Housing Oversight and Transparency, Improve Conditions for Residents | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2019 Duckworth, Durbin, Booker Introduce Bill to Enhance Public Housing Oversight and Transparency, Improve Conditions for Residents [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Today, as part of her ongoing efforts to prevent future housing crises like what happened in Cairo, Illinois, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Cory Booker (D-NJ), introduced legislation to improve public housing oversight and transparency by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The bill, the Averting Crises in Housing Assistance (ACHA) Act, seeks to address the national backlog of needed repairs in public housing facilities by investing $70 billion in the Public Housing Capital Fund and improve public housing outcomes for residents. The mismanagement, fraud and abuse that happened in Cairo and forced hundreds of people out of their homes should never happen again, said Duckworth. While it's critical that we hold those responsible accountable for their actions, we also need to look forward and do everything we can to improve policies and prevent future crises. I'm proud to introduce legislation today that will strengthen oversight of public housing facilities, make progress in addressing the backlog of critical repairs and go a long way toward preventing the same failures that resulted in so many families being displaced. What took place in Cairo was a failure at all levels of government. The bill Senator Duckworth and I are introducing would give public housing residents a stronger voice in ensuring that what happened in Cairo never happens again.The Averting Crises in Housing Act would require early intervention by HUD to assist public housing authorities in bringing their properties into good standing, said Durbin. No American should have to live in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Period. Specifically, the ACHA Act would: Strengthen HUD oversight of public housing properties by updating the conditions under which a property would be deemed failing; Allow r… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-join-colleagues-to-introduce-the-safe-gun-storage-act | Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues to Introduce the Safe Gun Storage Act | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 18, 2019 Duckworth, Durbin Join Colleagues to Introduce the Safe Gun Storage Act [WASHINGTON, D.C.] Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) and 17 other colleagues in introducing the Safe Gun Storage Act, which would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to establish safety standards for firearm locks and firearm safes. U.S. Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) introduced companion legislation in the House of Representatives earlier this year. Passing public safety measures to save lives isn't tyranny, it's common sense and this bill would help make sure that firearms are stored securely so families across America are kept safe, said Duckworth. We owe it to the countless and growing number of firearm violence victims to take action and I call on Mitch McConnell to let us vote on this and other similar, smart pieces of legislation so we can take action that could prevent future tragedies. Far too many lives have been lost to gun violence because children or unauthorized individuals gained access to a firearm that should have been securely stored. With commonsense safety measures for safely locking up firearms, we can further prevent guns from ending up in the wrong hands, said Durbin. I'm a proud cosponsor of the Safe Gun Storage Act because it's our responsibility in Congress to address our nation's gun violence epidemic and legislate to keep our communities safe. An estimated 4.6 million American minors live in a household with a firearm. According to a 2018 Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health survey, 54 percent of firearm owners report storing their firearms in an unsafe manner. Eighteen percent of all firearm injuries in our nation occur because of this high rate of improperly stored firearms in homes. Along with Duckworth, Durbin and Blumenthal, the Safe Gun Storage Act is co-sponsored by U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Bob Menendez (… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-and-krishnamoorthi-introduce-bipartisan-bill-to-create-youth-vaping-prevention-programs-in-schools | Durbin And Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Create Youth-Vaping Prevention Programs In Schools | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.19 Durbin And Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bipartisan Bill To Create Youth-Vaping Prevention Programs In Schools WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08) today introduced the Providing Resources to End the Vaping Epidemic Now for Teenagers (PREVENT) Act, a bipartisan and bicameral bill with Representative Peter King (R-NY-02) that will create youth vaping prevention programs in schools and provide resources to help teachers and administrators combat skyrocketing youth e-cigarette use. With more than five million children now using e-cigarettes, the youth vaping epidemic is out of control. Unless we take action, an entire generation of American kids will suffer from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Today's bill builds on previous tobacco prevention strategies, helps fund preventive efforts that steer kids away from vaping, and helps those already struggling with nicotine addiction. Further, the bill holds the Big Vape companies who created this public health crisis accountable, said Durbin. Both the CDC and FDA have determined that the sky rocketing use of e-cigarettes in middle and high schools across the country is an epidemic. That's why we just introduced the PREVENT Act, which would ensure these agencies have the funding they need to combat this public health crisis not at the expense of taxpayers, but the vaping companies selling these harmful products. Our children are not for sale and it's time we start educating them on the dangers of nicotine addiction from vaping and e-cigarette usage, said Krishnamoorthi. The PREVENT Act establishes a new user fee under the Food and Drug Administration, and directs those funds to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to develop prevention programs to decrease the use of e-cigarettes on school grounds. The bill awards grants to state and local health agencies and non-profits to carry out such prevention programs, and requires these programs to provide resources to empower youth to … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-bipartisan-agreement-to-help-immigrant-workers-stuck-in-the-green-card-backlog | Durbin Announces Bipartisan Agreement To Help Immigrant Workers Stuck In The Green Card Backlog | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.19 Durbin Announces Bipartisan Agreement To Help Immigrant Workers Stuck In The Green Card Backlog WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Immigration Subcommittee, today joined Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) on the Senate floor to announce their bipartisan agreement to amend Lee's Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act. Senator Lee and I have reached a bipartisan agreement on what we think is a reasonable approach these families affected by this backlog are really going through hardship and concerns that no family should face. The sooner we resolve them, the better, Durbin said. As I've talked to many of these families, they said why don't you sit down with Senator Lee and see if you can reach an agreement?' I did. We have. Now I hope we can move forward. The Lee-Durbin agreement would make three changes to the Fairness for High-Skilled Immigrants Act. First, it would protect immigrants and their families who are stuck in the backlog. Immigrant workers and their immediate family members would be eligible for early filing for their green cards. Immigrant workers would be able to switch jobs and travel without losing their immigration status. The amendment includes a critical protection from Durbin's RELIEF Act, which would protect the children of immigrant workers from aging out of green-card eligibility so they will not face deportation while they are waiting for a green card. Second, the amendment would create a green-card set aside for immigrant workers stuck in the backlog overseas. The amendment would reserve 4,600 green cards on an annual basis for immigrant workers who are stuck in the backlog overseas and not eligible for early filing. This number is based on the approximate number of people who apply for employment green cards from overseas each year. Finally, the amendment would address abuse of H-1B temporary work visas by prohibiting a company from hiring additional H-1B workers if the company's workforce is more than 50 emplo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-help-secure-illinois-miners-pensions-and-health-care-coverage-in-year-end-funding-bill | Durbin, Duckworth Help Secure Illinois Miners' Pensions And Health Care Coverage In Year-End Funding Bill | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.19 Durbin, Duckworth Help Secure Illinois Miners' Pensions And Health Care Coverage In Year-End Funding Bill WASHINGTON U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bill will protect miners' pensions and health care coverage for retirees impacted by 2018 and 2019 mine bankruptcies.The Bipartisan American Miners Act, included in the final funding package, secures lifetime health care benefits for the 13,000 miners who would have lost their benefits entirely and the 92,000 miners who would have seen their pensions gutted next year without Congressional action. This includes pension benefits for more than 8,000 miners and health coverage for more than 1,000 miners in Illinois. For nine thousand retired coal miners in Illinois, we have protected their pensions and health care. This bipartisan effort was their only hope, Durbin said. Thousands of mineworkers across Illinois have worked in difficult and dangerous conditions to provide a good life for their families and I'm pleased that this bipartisan effort delivers on our promise to secure their earned health care and pension benefits, Duckworth said. The Bipartisan American Miners Act of 2019 will amend the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 to transfer funds in excess of the amounts needed to meet existing obligations under the Abandoned Mine Land fund to the 1974 Pension Plan to prevent its insolvency. It will also amend the Coal Act to include 2018 and 2019 bankruptcies in the miners' health care fix that passed in 2017. The Bipartisan American Miners Act of 2019 is also co-sponsored by Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV), Rob Portman (R-OH), Doug Jones (D-AL), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Bob Casey (D-PA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Jack Reed (D-RI), and Tom Carper (D-DE). -30- Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-members-of-illinois-congressional-delegation-press-epa-administrator-wheeler-on-ethylene-oxide-emissions | Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler On Ethylene Oxide Emissions | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.19 Durbin, Members of Illinois Congressional Delegation Press EPA Administrator Wheeler On Ethylene Oxide Emissions WASHINGTONU.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation today pressed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler about their concerns about ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions at the Medline and Vantage facilities in Lake County. In a meeting with Administrator Wheeler, Durbin pushed for a timeline of regulatory actions by the U.S. EPA, and called on Administrator Wheeler to protect the U.S. EPA's Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) values from industry interests in its rulemaking. They also discussed a recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data study that showed higher levels of cancer-causing EtO found in people living near Medline Industries in Waukegan, Illinois. Medline uses EtO to sterilize medical products. Durbin also pressed Administrator Wheeler on what the EPA is doing to immediately reduce EtO emissions in Lake County. Administrator Wheeler has a responsibility to ensure his agency is doing everything it can to protect the public health of all Illinois families, Durbin said. Without stronger standards, inspections, and emissions monitoring of this deadly chemical, Illinois communities will continue to be at risk. Durbin was joined by U.S. Representatives Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03), Bill Foster (D-IL- 11), Brad Schneider (D-IL-10), Sean Casten (D-IL-06), and Lauren Underwood (D-IL-14) at today's meeting. I have serious concerns that the EPA is beginning to undermine its own risk analysis for ethylene oxide, said Lipinski. The evidence is overwhelming that ethylene oxide poses significant cancer risks to those exposed to emissions, but now the agency is questioning its own scientific review. EPA must always err on the side of caution and make protecting the health and safety of communities its overriding priority. Our community has waited for too long as U.S. EPA continues to drag its f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-raising-federal-tobacco-age-is-a-good-step-but-does-not-address-youth-vaping-epidemic | Durbin: Raising Federal Tobacco Age Is A Good Step, But Does Not Address Youth Vaping Epidemic | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.19 Durbin: Raising Federal Tobacco Age Is A Good Step, But Does Not Address Youth Vaping Epidemic WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today in a speech on the Senate floor addressed the Tobacco to 21 (T21) provision included in the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bill. Durbin, who introduced the Tobacco to 21 Act this April and is a longtime supporter of the policy, expressed his concern that the T21 provision, on its own, does not address the youth vaping epidemic. Durbin, who was prevented from including real reforms in the appropriations bill that would help reduce the number of children vaping, reiterated his call for an e-cigarette flavor ban that protects our nation's children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. Such a ban is supported by the public health community. Durbin also noted that tobacco and vaping giants like Altria and JUUL now, after years of opposition, support T21 because they believe it will help them avoid scrutiny for their targeted efforts to hook kids on e-cigarettes. Any serious solution to skyrocketing rates of youth e-cigarette use must include the removal of kid-friendly flavors, not just the tobacco industry's preferred policy, Durbin said. Video of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor are availablehere. Audio of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availablehere. Footage of Durbin's remarks on the Senate floor is availableherefor TV Stations. Durbin also called out the President for caving to lobbying pressure from Big Tobacco and Big Vape, breaking his promise to protect our nation's children from a lifetime of nicotine addiction. For years, e-cigarette use among children has skyrocketed nationwide, leading the Trump Administration to finally announceon September 11, 2019that it would soon ban all non-tobacco e-cigarette flavors within weeks. Now, more than three months later, no ban has been put in place. Five million children are now vaping, including more than one in four high school studentsan increase of 135 percent over th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-affordable-care-act-federal-appeals-court-ruling | Durbin Statement On Affordable Care Act Federal Appeals Court Ruling | 2019-12-18 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.18.19 Durbin Statement On Affordable Care Act Federal Appeals Court Ruling WASHINGTONU.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today released the following statement after a federal appeals court ruled on the lawsuit backed by President Donald Trump and Republican attorneys generals that the Affordable Care Act's (ACA) individual mandate is unconstitutional. The court did not reach a decision whether to invalidate the entire ACA and ordered a lower court to provide additional analysis on that question. Today's decision means that Americans' health care remains at risk. For years, the Trump Administration and their Republican allies have been committed to doing away with our health care system and those efforts continue to this day. If President Trump and his Republican allies have their way, millions of Americans could become uninsured, be stripped of protections for pre-existing conditions, and would experience a rise in premiums and prescription drug costs. But the fight is not over. Democrats remain united in our determination to protect and strengthen our health care law, lower health care costs, and improve the quality of care. -30- Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-statement-on-articles-of-impeachment/ | Bustos Statement on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Washington Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) released the following statement announcing her position on articles of impeachment: With both a profound sense of constitutional duty and deep respect for the Office of the Presidency, I will solemnly cast my vote in favor of both articles of impeachment for Senate consideration. No one is above the law, and there is beyond ample evidence that President Trump abused the tremendous powers of the presidency to jeopardize our national security and that of our allies. As I cast this difficult vote and as I have demonstrated since first being elected my priorities are with the people of the Illinois 17th Congressional District. I remain committed to working with anyone from any party to continue to deliver for our region, state and country. In the last weeks, we have passed historic victories for Illinoisans, including legislation that will lower the costs of prescription drugs for struggling families and seniors. We have worked with both parties to pass year-end spending bills that will help our veterans and servicemembers, improve rural health care, and strengthen our workforce. Finally, we have worked together with Republicans and the Administration to secure a new trade framework between the United States, Mexico and Canada, which provides stronger labor enforcement for our workers and renewed certainty for our family farmers. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-votes-fund-government | Casten Votes to Fund the Government | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Sean Casten | C001117 | casten.house.gov | casten | https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | Washington, D.C. – U.S Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after voting for government spending bills that would fund the government through fiscal year (FY) 2020. The House passed two measures, the first of which included eight appropriations bill, passed by a 297-120 margin and the second measure which included four appropriations bills passed by a 280-138 margin. The package now heads to the Senate before going to President Trump's desk. Casten said, "Today I voted for a spending package that would provide funding through FY 2020. This bill is crucial to ensuring the continuing operation of our government and I was glad to see many priorities reflected in the bill. "I was pleased the package gave military and civil federal workers a pay raise, increased federal funding for election security grants and gun violence research. And while I was pleased it extended funding for community health centers, and repealed two important health care taxes, ultimately, I would have liked for the spending package to have gone farther. "I believe that in the future it is important that we include provisions that address the seriousness of the climate crisis particularly within the Export-Import Bank reauthorization and the National Flood Insurance Program reauthorization. We have neglected the opportunity to make the structural reforms necessary to acknowledge that floods and other extreme weather events are increasing in severity due to climate change. While we cannot let perfect be the enemy of the good, I am optimistic that we will continue. "While I wish several provisions were stronger and more robust, extensions of clean energy tax credits were included, the benefits of the spending package outweigh the costs. As someone who has advocated for various provisions to prevent the spread of domestic terrorism, increase research for gun violence, and election security, I was proud to vote for this critical spending bill. We cannot keep kicking the can down the road. This bill will provide th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garc-s-statement-government-funding-packages | Congressman Garcas Statement on Government Funding Packages | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jesús García | G000586 | chuygarcia.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. - Today the U.S. House of Representatives voted on two legislative packages to fund the government through 2020. Congressman Jess Chuy Garca (IL-04) voted for H.R. 1865, which funds domestic programs that include healthcare, environmental protections, roads and public transportation investments, workforce development and affordable housing. The Congressman voted against H.R. 1158, which funds the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), as well as the Department of Justice, Commerce and scientific agencies. Congressman Garca issued the following statement after the votes: Today I voted for H.R. 1865, to give thousands of working families in my district better access to affordable and quality education and health care, affordable housing, and investments in clean air, clean water, and dependable infrastructure. Though not perfect, this funding package contains important workforce development measures that create and protect economic opportunities for youth, women, veterans and seniors. This bill also includes significant increases in land and water conservation and environmental protections to combat the climate crisis and honors our responsibility to our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico by extending and increasing urgently-needed, life-saving Medicaid funding. In addition, for the first time in 20 years, the Centers for Disease Control and the National Institutes of Health will be able to conduct life-saving research on gun violence. Congressman Garcia successfully authored and included four provisions within H.R. 1865, which will bring direct benefits to Chicago: $5 million for transit workforce development training with a $2.5 million set-aside specifically for frontline bus and transit workers' professional development, including employees like those at Pace Bus, CTA, and Metra. A $5 million increase for renewable energy research and development, including cleaner and more efficient vehicles with… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-vote-in-favor-of-appropriations-agreement-0 | Foster Statement on Vote in Favor of Appropriations Agreement | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | 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 after the U.S. House of Representatives passed two spending packages covering all 12 appropriations bills for fiscal year 2020. "This bipartisan appropriations agreement is a massive improvement over the original budget proposed by the Trump Administration. House Democrats were able to secure critical investments in public health, early childhood education, election security, and environmental protections. It also provides robust funding for scientific research, including vital research that will help us battle the epidemics of opioid use and gun violence, and it provides continued resources for the cutting-edge work being done at Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory in Illinois. "In addition, this package ensures that the 2020 Census is fully funded – an important victory for making sure communities in the 11th District are accurately counted and receive their fair share of federal spending." | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=4296 | Lipinski: Third District Priorities Reflected in House-Passed Appropriations Packages | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) highlighted numerous priorities of Illinois' Third Congressional District and other communities across the country in H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, two minibus packages of the Fiscal Year 2020 appropriations bills that passed the House on Tuesday. The appropriations bills are expected to be approved in the Senate and signed by President Trump later this week. Families in the Third District and across Illinois understand the need to increase investments in our communities to improve quality of life, said Rep. Lipinski. I'm pleased I was able to take an active role in these efforts to grow our economy, protect our communities and environment, repair our transportation and infrastructure, and strengthen health care. H.R. 1865 totals $540.4 billion and consists of FY2020 appropriations bills that fund federal agencies including the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, Agriculture, Energy, Interior, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency, the Farm Credit Administration, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and the Food and Drug Administration. H.R. 1158 totals $860.3 billion and consists of FY2020 appropriations bills that fund federal agencies including the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, Justice, Treasury, the Judiciary, as well as the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the National Science Foundation (NSF). Federal appropriations highlights impacting Illinois's 3rd Congressional District include: A provision directing the federal government to study on-time performance in the Chicagoland region to identify ways to minimize delays for Metra commuters and improve commuter rail. Congressman Lipinski authored the provision. Dedicated funding to enhance climate change research, including nearly $2 billion for NASA to better monitor climate change and $169.5 million for NOAA to support the Climate Change Research Program. $25 million for gun violence research, including crime prevention. Congres… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-passage-fy20-government-funding-package | Quigley Statement on Passage of FY20 Government Funding Package | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | quigley | https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases | scraper | Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services & General Government (FSGG), released the following statement after voting in support of H.R. 1865 and H.R. 1158, the fiscal year 2020 funding packages: "House Democrats have secured a strong, bipartisan funding agreement that protects our nation and upholds American values. "As Chairman of FSGG, I am particularly proud we secured $425 million for Election Security Grants, fulfilling one of my top priorities and ensuring that we are prepared for the fight to protect our upcoming elections. Since Russia's interference in the 2016 election, it has been clear that we need to take significant steps to safeguard our election process. This funding will help state and local governments protect our democracy and guarantee that every American's voice is heard." Quigley's FSGG bill includes: A 3.1 percent pay increase for all federal civilian employees; $262 million for the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund, which helps support affordable housing, small businesses, and infrastructure in underserved and rural communities; $261 million for the Small Business Administration Entrepreneurial Development Programs, an increase of $13 million over FY19; Increased funding for the Internal Revenue Service by $208 million, to support enforcement activities and bolster assistance to the taxpayer advocate and other tax counseling and assistance programs; $7.5 billion in discretionary funding for the Judiciary to support federal district courts; $140 million for the Securities and Exchange Commission, $69 million above the budget request; and Funding increases for the Federal Trade Commission for various inspector general offices that deal with financial matters and the Consumer Product Safety Commission to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, strollers, and other products. "In addition to protecting our democracy, we have also secured funding to begin t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-in-support-of-robust-spending-bills-and-secures-major-funding | Rush Votes in Support of Robust Spending Bills and Secures major funding for Top legislative priorities, including Funding for Gun Violence Research and the 2020 Census | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) voted in support of two legislative packages that, together, comprise all 12 Fiscal Year 2020 funding bills, including hundreds of millions of dollars for top legislative priorities such as $25 million for federal research at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) into the nation's gun violence epidemic. With these two robust funding bills, Congress has fully funded the government for Fiscal Year 2020 and House Democrats have delivered on major promises made to the American people. In particular, I am immensely proud that we were able to secure $25 million for the CDC and the NIH to finally be able to study the epidemic of gun violence, something I have long advocated for that federal agencies have been effectively prohibited from doing for over 20 years. Moreover, through these funding packages, I have successfully led efforts to secure hundreds of millions of dollars for legislative priorities that will improve the lives of those living in my district and across the country, including over $137 million in additional funding to study and raise awareness about heart disease and stroke, $500 million for the NIH's All of Us Program research program, and $2 million in funding for the implementation of the Civil Rights Cold Case Record Collections Act legislation I authored, which was signed into law earlier this year. These funding packages will also provide $7.6 billion for the 2020 Census, ensuring that all Chicagoans are accurately counted and ultimately represented. Furthermore, by passing these bills, we will extend the National Flood Insurance Program, an important program for my district where many communities are vulnerable to flooding, through September 30, 2020. Although the funding levels in these bills may not go as far as I might have liked, particularly as it concerns Community Health Centers, all in all, these robust packages are a win for the people and serve as a testament to what is … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-schakowsky-promotes-census-job-opportunities-week | Congresswoman Schakowsky Promotes Census Job Opportunities This Week | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky announced several opportunities this week to meet with staff and apply to work for the 2020 Census. Every ten years, the United States Census Bureau is tasked with counting every single individual in the country. This work is incredibly important. These census counts impact congressional representation, federal funding formulas, and more. To ensure a proper count, the Census Bureau is looking to fill hundreds of thousands of positions in the weeks and months ahead. There are many great benefits to temporary Census employment. These benefits include competitive pay (census workers in Cook County will range from $26 to $29 an hour) and flexible hours making census work viable as a second job for those interested.More information on requirements and frequently asked questions is available at https://2020census.gov/en/jobs.html. It is critically important to count everyone in Illinois accurately for the 2020 census, and we need your help to do so, Schakowsky said. By taking the time to work for the census, you can help make sure that your community is effectively counted and receive great employment benefits at the same time. Congresswoman Schakowsky's will deploy staff to a series of events with representatives of the Census who are available to answer questions and help individuals apply. These events will be taking placethroughout the 9th Congressional District. Staff from Alderman Maria Hadden's office will also be participating in events at the Rogers Park Branch. Wednesday, December 18, 2019 12:00-5:00pm Mount Prospect Public Library (10 S. Emerson Street, Mount Prospect IL 60056) 12:30-3:00pm Rogers Park Branch, Chicago Public Library (6907 N. Clark, Chicago IL 60626) 2:00-7:00pm Evanston Public Library (1703 Orrington Avenue, Evanston IL 60201) Thursday, December 19, 2019 1:00-5:30pm Rogers Park Branch, Chicago Public Library (6907 N. Clark, Chicago IL 60626) 4:00-8:00pm Glenview Public Library (1930 Glenview Road, Glenview IL 60025) ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/statement-federal-government-spending-bills | Statement on Federal Government Spending Bills | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Jan Schakowsky | S001145 | schakowsky.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two critical funding bills to keeping our government open and vital services operating. Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, voted NO on H.R. 1158 and voted YES on H.R. 1865. Schakowsky issued the following statement: As a daughter of immigrants, I am disappointed by the passage of today's national security appropriations minibus which includes a blank check for Trump's senseless border wall and inhumane immigration detention system. This funding bill reflects the cruel priorities of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and gives this incompetent President the power to raid government accounts to fund his mean-spirited pet projects. I am fed up with funding rogue agencies run by a lawless Administration that puts children in cages, abuses and neglects migrant women, and allows people in its care to die. I am sick and tired of this Administration that turns asylum seekers away at the border and sends them back into harm's way. I am appalled by the large-scale ICE raids in our communities where parents are torn away from their children. I am horrified by ICE setting up fake colleges to entrap and deport immigrants who came to this country to better themselves. And I am deeply offended by the vile culture where agents refer to deceased migrant children in the Rio Grande as floaters' and call my female colleagues scum buckets' and hoes.' For these reasons, I voted NO on the national security appropriations bill. I refuse to fund the Department of Homeland Security until Leader McConnell includes restrictions on transfer authority that would fund a wall, limits detention and deportation, and defunds the dangerous Remain in Mexico policy. We must end these inhumane practices and prioritize the health and wellbeing of all communities, and I will not stop fighting until we do just that." The House also considered and passed a domestic priorities and international assistance appropriations bill. I voted YES because it includes historic … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-articles-impeachment | Schneider Statement on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Brad Schneider | S001190 | schneider.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) released the following statement on his intention to vote for two articles impeaching President Donald Trump for high crimes and misdemeanors: President Trump abused the power of his office by corruptly putting his own personal and political interests ahead of our nation's security and foreign policy interests. He sought to block Congressionally-authorized, taxpayer-funded military aid to coerce Ukraine to launch a phony investigation into the President's political rival to influence the 2020 election to his advantage. In the months since, he has waged a campaign of absolute obstruction against Congress's constitutional authority and responsibility to investigate the truth, repeatedly ordering all federal officials to defy subpoenas related to the inquiry and refusing to produce a single document. Having carefully reviewed the articles of impeachment and reflecting deeply on this decision, I intend to vote yes on both counts to refer these charges to the Senate for trial. This is a sad moment for our nation. Only twice before has the House of Representatives voted to impeach a President, and never before on accusations of corruptly compromising our national security. These grave accusations deserve a full and fair hearing. I hope President Trump will present his case in the Senate trial. Both prosecution and defense attorneys should be able to call and cross-examine witnesses. And the 100 Senators, sitting under separate oath as jurors, should hear the evidence and make their decisions without prejudice or prejudgment. I take no joy in this vote or the fact that the President's actions demand this response. However solemn and difficult this moment for our nation may be, my confidence in our system of checks and balances and trust in our Constitution to guide us on the path ahead remains unshakable. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-schakowsky-guthrie-kelly-introduce-new-bipartisan-legislation-lower | Underwood, Schakowsky, Guthrie, Kelly Introduce New Bipartisan Legislation to Lower Insulin Costs | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— Today, Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-9), Brett Guthrie (KY-02), and Mike Kelly (PA-16) introduced the bipartisan Lower Insulin Costs Now Act to help combat the skyrocketing cost of insulin. More than 30 million Americans are living with type I or type II diabetes, including one in four seniors and a growing number of children. Diabetes is a life-threatening disease that can lead to premature death and exacerbate other chronic conditions. The Lower Insulin Costs Now Act would reduce the cost of insulin by helping lower-cost, generic insulin become available to consumers more quickly. "I've heard from countless Illinois families about the hard decisions they have to make to afford their insulin, including rationing their supply or going without. It's unacceptable—over 7 million Americans rely on insulin to survive," Rep. Underwood said. "That's why I'm proud to introduce bipartisan legislation that will help make lower-cost, generic insulin available more quickly." "We have the names of people who have died because they couldn't afford their insulin. That cannot stand in the United States, and that is why today Representatives Underwood, Guthrie, Kelly, and I are introducing the Lower Insulin Costs Now Act," said Representative Schakowsky. "This bill will allow diabetes patients to access affordable, generic insulins more quickly and prevent Eli Lilly, Novo Nordisk, and Sanofi from continuing their price gouging oligopoly in the insulin market. We must pass this bill." "Insulin hasn't changed in decades, so there is no reason why the price of it has suddenly spiked," said Representative Guthrie, the Republican leader of the House Energy and Commerce Committee's Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee, which conducted an investigation into insulin pricing earlier this year. "Our investigation into the price of insulin found that list prices have climbed, hurting the uninsured and underinsured who are forced to pay the high cost. The Lower Insulin Costs Now Act will hel… | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-statement-articles-impeachment | Underwood Statement on Articles of Impeachment | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Lauren Underwood | U000040 | underwood.house.gov | underwood | https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases | scraper | WASHINGTON— Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) released the following statement today announcing her decision to vote in support of two articles of impeachment. "Our country's founders created impeachment so that no president could place themselves above the law, a crucial Constitutional check-of-power that ensures our country's security and values are protected against corruption and foreign influence in our elections. As I've weighed this solemn decision I've listened to our community, examined important testimony and evidence, and studied the drafted articles. "The President has demonstrated a pattern of corrupt behavior, and abused his power for his own personal political gain when he pressured foreign leaders to conduct investigations against political rivals, jeopardizing our country's national security and the integrity of our elections. The testimony and evidence put forth led me to a clear conclusion. In order to uphold my sworn oath, I must vote to protect the Constitution and will vote in support of the articles of impeachment." ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-06-27T23:45:33Z |
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/duckworth-introduces-bill-to-increase-investments-in-liver-cancer-research-and-raise-awareness | Duckworth Introduces Bill to Increase Investments in Liver Cancer Research & Raise Awareness | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2019 Duckworth Introduces Bill to Increase Investments in Liver Cancer Research & Raise Awareness [WASHINGTON, D.C.] U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today introduced legislation to increase federal support for liver cancer research and help make life-saving preventive and treatment services more accessible to people all across the country. The Liver Illness Visibility, Education and Research (LIVER) Act would boost funding for liver cancer research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) by $45 million and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by $90 million while also implementing other new initiatives at these agencies to elevate this critical issue. A companion version was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Representative Nydia Velazquez (D-NY-07). Far too many Americans have died due to liver cancer, a disease that disproportionately impacts the Asian-American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, Duckworth said. I'm proud to introduce this important legislation in the Senate today to help make sure the federal government is properly investing in studying liver cancer, finding a cure and increasing access to preventive and primary cancer services that detect the disease early and save lives. As the Representative of the Manhattan and Brooklyn Chinatowns, my office hears frequently the disproportionate burden that liver cancer has on Asian American communities, said Velzquez, who previously introduced the House version of the bill. Early detection can be the difference between life or death for many of our families and that's why I'm proud Senator Duckworth joined me in introducing this legislation allocating $135 million to liver cancer research and preventative resources. Specifically, the LIVER Act would: Authorize an additional $45 million per year for 5 years for liver cancer and hepatitis B research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Raise the profile of liver disease at the NIH by adding Liver to the name of the … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/senate-passes-several-duckworth-provisions-as-part-of-2020-defense-bill | Senate Passes Several Duckworth Provisions as Part of 2020 Defense Bill | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 17, 2019 Senate Passes Several Duckworth Provisions as Part of 2020 Defense Bill Duckworth's provisions will help protect servicemembers from toxic chemicals, support IL jobs and shield Veterans from deportation [WASHINGTON, DC] Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) successfully secured a number of her priorities in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that passed the U.S. Senate on a bipartisan vote of86-8 today and now heads to the President's desk for his signature.The NDAA authorizes funding for the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), sets our nation's defense policy and ensures that our servicemembers have the tools they need to defend our nation.Duckworth is a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC). The brave men and women in uniform who are deployed across the globe deserve to know that our country stands behind them as they risk their lives to defend our country and our Constitution,Duckworth said.While I do not support every part of this legislation, I'm proud that several of my provisions were included to support jobs at both the Rock Island Arsenal and Scott Air Force Base, protect noncitizen servicemembers and Veterans from deportation and reduce servicemembers' exposure to toxic chemicals. With this bill's passage, Congress is sending a message that we have our troops' backs. Duckworth is an Iraq War Veteran who served in the Reserved Forces for 23 years before retiring from military service in 2014 at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. She served on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) during her four years serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she authored numerous provisions aimed at improving servicemember quality of life, reducing government waste and promoting job creation. Last year, Duckworth alsoauthored several amendmentsthat were included in the FY2019 NDAA to prevent low-income… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-duckworth-help-veteran-receive-benefits-after-being-denied-assistance | Durbin, Duckworth Help Veteran Receive Benefits After Being Denied Assistance | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Durbin, Duckworth Help Veteran Receive Benefits After Being Denied Assistance Flint-Native And Decorated Navy Veteran Will Receive G.I. Bill Benefits After Members Of Congress Intervene In Case WASHINGTONU.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), along with Congressman Dan Kildee (D-MI-05), today announced that a Flint-native and decorated Navy veteran, retired Senior Chief Russell Dotson, will receive tens of thousands of dollars of G.I. Bill higher education benefits owed to his family after the U.S. Navy denied this assistance because of a bureaucratic paperwork mistake. The acting Secretary of the Navy, Thomas Modly, has indicated to Durbin, Duckworth, Kildee, and retired Senior Chief Dotson that the Navy will provide him with full reimbursement and allow him to transfer his military G.I. bill benefits to his daughter, Paige Dotson, who was a student at DePaul University in Chicago, Illinois. These benefits are worth tens of thousands of dollars and are intended to cover an entire college education. Mr. Dotson's GI Bill benefits were wrongly pulled from him because of an error by the Navy. Because of this, the Acting Secretary of the Navy came to my office to tell me they were going to make this right for Mr. Dotson and his family. I'm glad there is a good ending to this that restores Mr. Dotson's hard-earned benefits, Durbin said. If anyone knows why we need to streamline benefits for Veterans and their families, it's me. I had to go through a physical at the VA to prove that my legs had not grown back before I could get my benefits. People willing to sacrifice in uniform for our country don't deserve this sort of red tape, and I'm pleased the Acting Secretary of the Navy is finally doing something to help this family. I'm going to keep working to get to the bottom of this problem and make sure anyone who's earned the ability to transfer their GI Bill benefits to a child is able to d… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-maloney-introduce-legislation-to-expand-family-leave-protections | Durbin, Maloney Introduce Legislation To Expand Family Leave Protections | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Durbin, Maloney Introduce Legislation To Expand Family Leave Protections WASHINGTON U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12), Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, today introduced legislation that would bring the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) into the 21stCentury. TheFamily Medical Leave Modernization Actwill guarantee small necessities leave and make important updates to the definition of family to ensure a broader range of caregiving relationships are covered by FMLA's protections. Approximately 40 percent of today's workforce is not eligible for leave under FMLA. In 2015, more than 25 percent of family caregivers provided care to a family member who was not covered by FMLA, including grandparents, siblings, and adult children. Thirty-four percent of family caregivers who left the workforce reported doing so because their work did not allow flexible hours. While the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 was an important first step in better protecting families' economic security, it must be updated to better address the needs of today's workforce, Durbin said. Regardless of the make-up of one's family, all employees should be given the same rights to care for a sick loved one in a time of need. As families change, so should the laws designed to help them. TheFamily Medical Leave Modernization Actwould ensure that all employees have the same rights to care for a family member. It is unacceptable that some American workers are still forced to choose between caring for their loved ones or losing their jobs. Even with the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, 40 percent of the work force is still ineligible for FMLA leave it's time to bring leave into the 21st century,said Maloney. The FMLA Modernization Act reflects that families and caregiving comes in all shapes and sizes. These changes are long overdue. TheFamily Medical Leave ModernizationActwould: Update the FMLA's definition of family to include a dom… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-we-need-a-comprehensive-smart-and-effective-approach-to-opioid-addiction | Durbin: We Need A Comprehensive, Smart, And Effective Approach To Opioid Addiction | 2019-12-17 | 2019 | 2019-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.17.19 Durbin: We Need A Comprehensive, Smart, And Effective Approach To Opioid Addiction Following IG Report, Durbin Blasts DEA's Failure To More Proactively Prevent Big Pharma's Excessive Opioid Production WASHINGTON U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today, in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing addressing the opioid epidemic, slammed the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for inadequate oversight and accountability of Big Pharma's role in fueling the nation's worst drug epidemic in history. Durbin called on the DEA to use its new authoritiespassed into law by Durbin and Senator John Kennedy (R-LA) last yearto improve its monitoring of opioid shipments across the country and reduce the volume of painkillers that the DEA permits the pharmaceutical industry to produce each year. In its 2020 proposal for controlled substance production quotas, DEA explained it would not adjust opioid production quotas to reflect the abuse, overdose, and public health harms created by excessively high opioid manufacturing. What does it take? How do we get the DEA to acknowledge that approximately eight billion opioid doses is dramatically more than could possibly be used for legitimate medical purposes? Durbin said. If our government doesn't start a reasonable regulation of the production, Pharma will continue to ask for morefar beyond what's medically necessary and far beyond what's needed for chronic pain and ordinary uses. So if the DEA the Drug Enforcement Administration is not in on the program, we're going nowhere with this conversation. Durbin also expressed concerns over a Trump Administration proposal to place all fentanyl-related substances on Schedule 1, saying that it could block vital research to discover life-saving antidotes. In July, Durbin sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services expressing concern that DOJ and DEA have not adequately consulted with public health agencies in connection with … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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