Press releases
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1,234 rows where state = "IL" and year = 2016 sorted by date descending
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- 2016 · 1,234 ✖
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- IL · 1,234 ✖
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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://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399466 | Congressman Kinzinger Holds Agriculture Advisory Meeting | 2016-12-23 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) held his semi-annual meeting with the IL-16 Agriculture Advisory Committee at City Hall in Ottawa. share: f t OTTAWA, IL Last week, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) held his semi-annual meeting with the IL-16 Agriculture Advisory Committee at City Hall in Ottawa. Formed in 2013, the Committee of 26 active members is made up of representatives from each county in the district. This proactive partnership meets to address agriculture issues on the local, state, and national level. The meeting last week covered a range of topics from crop insurance to the 2018 Farm Bill. Following the meeting, Congressman Kinzinger released this statement: I'm fortunate to have the opportunity to listen and learn from members of the Agriculture Advisory Committee, who not only represent each of the fourteen counties in my district, but serve as community leaders. It's important to have their input and for their voices to be heard especially when it comes to decision making on the policies that impact their bottom line. Agriculture in Illinois is essential. The industry generates $19 billion annually and employs nearly one million people throughout the state. Looking ahead to the 115th Congress, I will work with my colleagues to ensure Illinois farmers remain competitive internationally and here at home, while making sure we get our economy growing again. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roskam.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/roskam-condemns-obama-s-disgraceful-un-action | Roskam Condemns Obamas Disgraceful UN Action | 2016-12-23 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Peter Roskam | R000580 | roskam.house.gov | legacy | Wheaton, IL — U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam issued the following statement in response to the Obama Administration’s failure to veto an anti-Israel measure at the United Nations Security Council: “The Obama Administration's decision to abstain from today's UN Security Council vote is disgraceful. The adopted resolution is anti-Israel and anti-peace. Congress and the incoming administration will stand with our friends and allies, and oppose all efforts to delegitimize Israel.” Rep. Roskam serves as Co-Chairman of the GOP Israel Caucus and the Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lofgren-guti-rrez-roybal-allard-applaud-recommendation-move-dhs-away-use | Lofgren, Gutirrez, Roybal-Allard applaud recommendation to move DHS away from use of private prisons | 2016-12-22 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.), Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-Ill.) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.) today issued the following statement regarding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Homeland Security Advisory Council’s (HSAC) recent recommendation that DHS move away from the use of private prisons to detain immigrants. HSAC acknowledged DHS’s historical reliance on private prisons but concluded that the private prison model is inferior from the perspective of governance, and that a deliberate shift away from the private prison model is warranted. “We applaud the Homeland Security Advisory Council’s (HSAC) recent recommendation that DHS move away from the use of private prisons to detain immigrants. After extensive debate and testimony, HSAC voted overwhelmingly (by a vote of 17 to 5) to end DHS’s status quo reliance on private prisons. “While some may view the use of private prisons as a cost-cutting measure, private prisons often cost taxpayers exorbitant amounts of money while at the same time failing to provide safe, sanitary, and humane conditions. We believe that the private prison companies’ for-profit model combined with insufficient accountability mechanisms has created an environment whereby private prison companies are able to abuse immigrant detainees with impunity. “We understand that the HSAC decision, while powerful and groundbreaking, comes at the end of DHS Secretary Jeh Johnson’s tenure and the process to completely dismantle the private prison detention system will take years to complete. However, there are steps that Secretary Johnson can take immediately. First, he can enforce termination clauses in contracts with the for-profit private prison facilities, beginning with those with the worst records of abuse and neglect. Second, he can end family detention and expand alternatives to detention. Third, he can ensure that any new contracts require strong transparency provisions (including robust public access) and use ICE’s most recent detention stand… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-over-12-million-for-community-health-centers | Durbin Announces Over $12 Million For Community Health Centers | 2016-12-22 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.22.16 Durbin Announces Over $12 Million For Community Health Centers SPRINGFIELD – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has awarded six community health centers in Illinois a total of $12,186,227 through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) Health Center Program. Community health centers are community-based and patient-directed organizations that deliver comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services. Community health centers also often integrate access to pharmacy, mental health, substance abuse and oral health services in areas where economic, geographic or cultural barriers limit access to affordable health care services. “Community health centers provide high-quality, comprehensive medical care to thousands of Illinoisans every year,” said Durbin. “This investment will help community health centers across our state continue to improve health outcomes and reduce patient costs.” Under this announcement, the following organizations will receive funding to support patient-centered care: · Crusaders Central Clinic Association (Rockford): $2,628,203 · Erie Family Health Center, Inc. (Chicago): $3,068,545 · Heartland Health Outreach, Inc. (Chicago): $2,350,292 · Henderson County Rural Health Center, Inc. (Oquawka): $536,357 · Near North Health Service Corporation (Chicago): $2,952,830 · Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation (East St. Louis): $650,000 Over its 50 year history, the Health Center Program has grown from two community health centers to nearly 1,400 community health centers operating over 9,800 clinic sites in every U.S. state and territory. In 2015, community health centers employed nearly 190,000 people and served over 24 million patients. One in 13 people nationwide rely on a HRSA-funded community health center for their preventive and primary health care needs. Print … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/2016-year-review-bustos-delivers-real-results-fights-illinois-working-families-emerges-key-leader-among-house-democrats/ | 2016 YEAR IN REVIEW: Bustos Delivers Real Results, Fights for Illinois Working Families and Emerges as Key Leader Among House Democrats | 2016-12-21 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | ROCK ISLAND – This past year, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) has delivered real results for the families of Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, while continuing to focus on economic growth, manufacturing, veterans and government waste. She has also emerged as a key leader in the House Democratic Caucus as she transitions into her third term. Below is an outline of Congresswoman Bustos’ work in 2016: EFFECTIVE LEADERSHIP In addition to serving as a Senior Whip, late this year Congresswoman Bustos secured a key position in Democratic House Leadership. Following the 2016 election, Congresswoman Bustos’ colleagues elected her to serve as a Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC). In this role, she will work to improve the Democratic Party’s connection to America’s heartland and fight to strengthen working families in rural and industrial communities. As the only Midwesterner in House Democratic Leadership, Congresswoman Bustos will ensure that our region and Illinois’ families have a voice at the decision-making table. INVESTING IN OUR INFRASTRUCTURE As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Congresswoman Bustos understands that for every dollar invested in infrastructure, about two dollars of new economic activity is generated. That’s why, when Governor Bruce Rauner was stonewalling progress on the Quad-Cities to Chicago passenger rail project, she forcefully urged him to take action before the $177 million in federal funding was set to expire. When Governor Rauner refused to respond and continued to say the project was “under review,” Congresswoman Bustos would not accept more obstruction with so many jobs on the line. She sent Governor Rauner the exact same letter with handwritten edits underscoring just how important it was for him to stop playing politics and start working with her to move the project forward. With public pressure from Congresswoman Bustos and the community, Governor Rauner finally relented and agreed to put the project back on tra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-carper-education-department-releases-data-showing-many-for-profit-colleges-receive-more-than-90-percent-of-revenue-from-federal-taxpayers | Durbin, Carper: Education Department Releases Data Showing Many For-Profit Colleges Receive More Than 90 Percent Of Revenue From Federal Taxpayers | 2016-12-21 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.21.16 Durbin, Carper: Education Department Releases Data Showing Many For-Profit Colleges Receive More Than 90 Percent Of Revenue From Federal Taxpayers Senators asked for data more than a year ago; have led efforts in Congress to close loophole that exempts Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs education benefits from restrictions on federal revenue and incentivizes exploitation of servicemembers and veterans by for-profit colleges WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Tom Carper (D-DE) issued the following statement after the Department of Education (ED) released data providing a more accurate picture of for-profit colleges’ dependence on federal funding by counting Department of Veterans Affairs GI Bill and Department of Defense Tuition Assistance funding. The current federal “90/10 rule” bars for-profit colleges and universities from deriving more than 90% of their revenue from the Department of Education’s student aid programs but does not include these additional federal sources, encouraging for-profit colleges to target veterans and members of the military. The data was released in response to a request by Senators Durbin and Carper – along with 18 other Democratic Senators – for public data on how much for-profit colleges actually receive from American taxpayers. Durbin and Carper were joined by 29 Senators in sending a similar letter to the Department in June. “The data released today by the Education Department confirms what we already knew: for-profit colleges are some of the most highly-subsidized companies in America; many receive nearly all of their revenue straight from federal taxpayers. The current 90/10 rule, with its failure to include GI Bill and Defense Tuition Assistance makes our nation’s servicemembers and veterans an attractive target for predatory for-profit colleges,” said Senator Durbin. “Today’s data should encourage Congress to close this loophole and reduce the am… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-signs-first-lahood-bill-law | President Signs First LaHood Bill Into Law | 2016-12-20 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.—On Friday, December 16, President Obama signed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for our Nation (WIIN) Act into law, which includes H.R. 5765, legislation introduced by Rep. Darin LaHood entitled the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016. This bill supports fish and wildlife in the Great Lakes, and will revitalize daily commercial, recreational, and preservation activities throughout the waterways in Illinois, which borders Lake Michigan. “I am pleased to see legislation that I introduced in the House earlier this year signed into law by the President. As a father who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, modernizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will revamp conservation efforts for outdoorsmen and increase economic opportunities for our fishermen,” stated Rep. Darin LaHood. “I want to thank my colleagues, Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-12) and Rep. Candice Miller (MI-10), for joining me in introducing this legislation and for their bipartisan efforts to protect our Great Lakes and wildlife conservation efforts. The Midwest is the fortunate home of the beautiful Great Lakes region, and improving its conservation will surely improve state’s commercial, recreational, and preservation activities throughout our waterways.” The Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act was last reauthorized in 2006. H.R. 5765 directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to work with states and other agencies to develop and execute proposals to conserve, restore and manage fish and wildlife populations, and their habitats. Since 1998, the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act has provided federal funding to 148 research and restoration projects in the Great Lakes Basin that target challenges like habitat restoration, fish species reproduction, and Asian Carp. To learn more, click here. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-push-for-national-popular-vote-legislation | Durbin Announces Push For National Popular Vote Legislation | 2016-12-20 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.20.16 Durbin Announces Push For National Popular Vote Legislation Urges states to join compact committing to winner of the national popular vote WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced a renewed effort to amend the U.S. Constitution to honor the principle of “one person, one vote” in the election of U.S. President and Vice President. Durbin first proposed this constitutional amendment in 2000 and has supported it regardless of the outcome in previous presidential elections. Republican Congressman Ray LaHood joined Durbin in his earlier efforts. Noting the challenges of passing a constitutional amendment, Durbin also called on states to join the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact, which would require each state’s electors to cast a ballot in favor of the candidate who won the national popular vote. “Twice in recent memory, a majority of American voters cast their vote for the losing presidential candidate. This is certainly not what the Founders intended. It’s time to retire this 18th century invention that disenfranchises millions of Americans,” said Senator Durbin. “The American people deserve to choose all of their leaders, and I will continue to support efforts to empower voters. We face an uphill battle in Congress, but states have the power to act now by adopting the Compact and committing their electors to the candidate chosen by the voters.” So far, 11 jurisdictions have entered the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact: Illinois, California, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington. These jurisdictions represent a total of 165 Electoral College votes. The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact will take effect when enough states have joined the Compact to represent a majority of electoral votes (270 of 538). Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3164 | Lipinski Invites Third District Residents to Upcoming Town Hall Meeting | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) will be hosting a Town Hall Meeting on Saturday, January 7th, from 10-11:30 a.m., at Oak Lawn Community High School, located at 9400 Southwest Highway in Oak Lawn. During the meeting, area residents will be able to hear from Rep. Lipinski about his work on their behalf at home and in Washington, as well as ask questions about federal issues. Additionally, staff from the Congressman’s office will be available beginning one hour prior to the start of the meeting (9 a.m.) to provide assistance with Medicare, Social Security, veterans’ benefits, and other federal matters. “With the next session of Congress about to begin and a new Administration moving into the White House, I encourage residents of the Third District to come to my upcoming Town Hall Meeting and voice their opinions,” said Rep. Lipinski. “As your representative in Washington and someone who strives to improve the quality of life in the communities I serve, it is critical that I hear from you.” If you are unable to attend the meeting, Lipinski’s constituent offices in Chicago, Lockport, Oak Lawn, and Orland Park are open year round to meet your needs. If you have any questions, please call 773-948-6223. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/president-obama-signs-rep-quigley-s-bill-expand-small-business-voice-sec | President Obama Signs Rep. Quigleys Bill to Expand Small Business Voice at the SEC Into Law | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Last week, the bipartisan SEC Small Business Advocate Act of 2015 introduced by U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the New Democrat Coalition, along with Reps. John Carney (DE), Sean Duffy (WI-07) and Ander Crenshaw (FL-04), was signed into law by President Barack Obama. This legislation establishes the Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). “Small businesses are a vital driver of economic growth and job creation throughout the city of Chicago and across the entire United States. Though many regulators and lawmakers work hard to support their efforts, small businesses still face challenges understanding complex securities regulations and effectively communicating their needs,” said Rep. Quigley. “I am pleased that the creation of this new office will open a clear avenue of communication to SEC leadership and provide our hardworking small business owners with an advocate to help them explore new concepts and further spur innovation.” The creation of this new office and formalization of a Small Business Advisory Committee will increase communication on issues affecting small businesses by maintaining a designated representative to advocate on their needs. This legislation will not only improve the regulatory process for small business owners, but also for the investors and consumers that depend on them. This legislation is supported by a broad group of small business organizations, including Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA), U.S. Chamber of Commerce, Biotechnology Industry Association (BIO), Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council (SBE Council), Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), National Small Business Association (NSBA), Crowdfunding Professional Association (CfPA), National Venture Capital Association (NVCA), and National Development Council (NDC). Rep. Quigley is a member of the New Democrat Coalition, a group of congressional lawmakers that promotes policies that harness American ingenuity, i… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-3-million-for-water-and-waste-projects-in-rural-illinois | Durbin Announces $3 Million For Water And Waste Projects In Rural Illinois | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.16 Durbin Announces $3 Million For Water And Waste Projects In Rural Illinois CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has awarded $3,029,900 in federal funding for water and waste disposal programs in rural areas of Illinois. “This federal investment will create good-paying jobs in Illinois communities, and help protect public health, safety, and the welfare of our families,” Senator Durbin said. USDA Water and Waste Disposal Program The Rural Water and Waste Disposal Loan Program is used to develop drinking water and waste disposal systems, including solid waste disposal and storm drainage systems in rural areas and towns with populations under 10,000. Funds are available to public entities such as municipalities, counties, special-purpose districts, Indian tribes, and corporations not operated for profit. Additionally, Water and Waste Disposal Grants seek to reduce water and waste disposal costs to a reasonable level for rural areas. Under today’s announcement, the following entities will receive funds through the Water and Waste Disposal Program: · SouthWater, Inc. (Union County): Loan of $508,000 and grant of $241,900 to connect 21 new rural users to the existing system; · Village of Cerro Gordo (Piatt County): Loan of $790,000 to replace nearly 6000 feet of water mains and create an additional connection to the water plant. Village of Cerro Gordo has experienced over 62 water line breaks since the 1980’s; · Village of Weldon (DeWitt County): Loan of $700,000 and grant of $790,000 to replace water main, fire hydrants, and valves, and make other necessary renovations to address high levels of arsenic in system and provide potable water to the Village’s 429 residents. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-veterans-highlights-federal-funding-to-prevent-homelessness | Durbin Meets with Veterans, Highlights Federal Funding to Prevent Homelessness | 2016-12-19 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.19.16 Durbin Meets with Veterans, Highlights Federal Funding to Prevent Homelessness GRANITE CITY - U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited Chestnut Health Systems to meet with veterans and highlight new federal funding from the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program to prevent homelessness. Earlier this fall, Durbin announced more than $9.5 million to prevent homelessness among Illinois veterans and their families, which included $510,116 for Chestnut. “Too often, our nation’s veterans find themselves facing financial difficulties and the prospect of homelessness. This VA funding will help ensure that organizations like Chestnut Health Systems have the necessary resources to help veteran families transition to permanent housing,” Durbin said. “I commend the VA’s efforts to end veteran homelessness, and I am proud to continue working alongside the department to keep our promise to America’s veterans.” While veteran homelessness has dropped nearly 50 percent since 2010, more than 40,000 veterans still experience homelessness on any given night, including 1,200 in Illinois. Many veterans are considered at risk of homelessness because of poverty, lack of a support network or employment, substance abuse, or because they suffer from mental health issues. Chestnut is a private, non-profit charitable organization with locations in Belleville, Granite City, Edwardsville, and Maryville. This is the fourth year Chestnut has received VA funds, and it will use them to employ six full-time staff members to work with veterans to help them with employment, financial planning, access to transportation, housing counseling, and offer referrals to medical, legal, and other services. About $200,000 from the grant is also set aside to help veterans pay rent and utilities. As a VA SSVF provider, Chestnut expects to serve about 100 people this year with this funding. -30- Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399465 | Rep. Kinzinger Nominates Students for U.S. Military Academies | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | On Monday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) nominated nine students of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois to attend one of the United States Military Academies. share: f t Washington, DC – On Monday, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) nominated nine students of the 16th Congressional District of Illinois to attend one of the United States Military Academies. At a reception held in the Ottawa district office, Congressman Kinzinger presented the students with certificates and celebrated their accomplishments with their families. “It is an honor and a privilege to nominate the best and brightest from #IL16 to attend one of the U.S. Military Academies. I’m impressed and proud of their willingness to serve our country. Congratulations to all of our 2016 nominees, and wishing them all the best of luck in earning their respective acceptances.” – Rep. Adam Kinzinger The IL-16 students nominated by Congressman Kinzinger this year are listed below: John Adee Rockford, IL Navy Boylan Catholic High School Joel Bottarini Ottawa, IL Army Marmion Academy Hunter Haggestad Rochelle, IL Air Force Rochelle High School Owen Mallery Hennepin, IL Army Putnam County High School Jacob Martocci Belvidere, IL … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3161 | Lipinski Praises Congressional Passage of Bill to Boost American Innovation and Competitiveness, Create Jobs | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is praising the passage in the House and Senate of the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, S. 3084, which authorizes and revises a wide-range of federal science, research, and technology development programs. These provisions apply to research programs at the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), the White House’s Office of Science and Technology Policy, as well as government-sponsored research at universities and other institutions. The bill is designed to boost American innovation and competitiveness, resulting in the creation of American jobs. Notably, the bill authorizes the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program that teaches scientists how to turn their discoveries into entrepreneurial, job-producing businesses. Language in the bill directs the expansion of I-Corps to additional federal agencies and academic institutions, as well as through state and local governments which can better support their economic development goals. The new I-Corps authority also supports prototype or proof-of-concept development activities, which will better enable researchers to commercialize their innovations. “I've been a strong supporter of the I-Corps program since it was first introduced by the NSF,” Rep. Lipinski said. “I have helped it grow and have seen how successful it has been. Programs like I-Corps get university and other federally-funded research translated more quickly into new products and new companies, creating American jobs and providing taxpayers a better return on their investment in science.” “I-Corps has become the standard for entrepreneurship in the federal government, having trained over 1,000 of our country’s best scientists,” stated serial entrepreneur Steve Blank. “From its inception, Congressman Lipinski was the visionary champion of I-Corps. The American Innovation and Competitiveness Act extending I-Corps is one of the major accomplishments of the 114th Congress.” S. 3084 also inclu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-invites-scott-pruitt-climate-change-debate | Quigley Invites Scott Pruitt to Climate Change Debate | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), released the following statement reiterating his invite to Scott Pruitt, President-Elect Trump’s nominee for EPA Administrator, to come to Chicago for a debate on the science of climate change: Scott Pruitt has said that the debate on climate change is “far from settled.” He has called it a “trend,” on which scientists “continue to disagree.” On his own LinkedIn page he touts his efforts to lead “the charge with repeated notices and subsequent lawsuits against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for their leadership’s activist agenda.” These are direct quotes from the man that will be tasked to identify and help solve the environmental problems that threaten our earth and all who inhabit it. Mr. Pruitt has also said that the debate on climate change “should be encouraged — in classrooms, public forums, and the halls of Congress.” Well, Mr. Pruitt, if you really think so, let us have that debate. Mr. Pruitt’s words are not only incorrect; they are dangerous. The warming of our planet is not a trend, and the evidence of its existence is indisputable. Top scientists, as well as the over 12,000 peer-reviewed studies on the issue, do not vary on their acceptance of this life-threatening crisis or acknowledgement of its man-made causes. The climate crisis posses severe risks to every aspect of our way of life. Extending beyond the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe, climate change endangers our public health, our economic competitiveness, and our national security. We cannot sit on our hands for the next four years as the pressing environmental threats of today continue into tomorrow. These dangers will only grow and expand. That is why we need immediate action and constructive, bipartisan policy to combat these realities and protect our world for future generations. As we look forward to 2017, we must begin a new conversation with the leaders President-Elect… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-highlights-10-million-federal-investment-in-illinois-co2-projects | Durbin Highlights $10 Million Federal Investment in Illinois CO2 Projects | 2016-12-16 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.16.16 Durbin Highlights $10 Million Federal Investment in Illinois CO2 Projects DECATUR – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded two grants totaling $10 million to the Illinois State Geological Survey (ISGS), housed at the University of Illinois’ Prairie Research Institute (PRI). The grants will fund projects to research commercial-scale geologic storage of carbon dioxide (CO2) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “Any meaningful strategies for addressing the causes and dangers of climate change must include reduced carbon emissions,” Durbin said. “That’s why we are here today to announce a $10 million investment by the United States Department of Energy to study if 50 million tons of carbon dioxide can be stored deep underground here in Illinois. Split between two projects, the grants will support work that builds on the knowledge gained from Department of Energy’s previous carbon sequestration pilot-project.” The two grants are part of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Carbon Storage Assurance and Facility Enterprise initiative to assess the viability of carbon storage technologies and geological storage sites in Illinois. These projects will help demonstrate how carbon emissions from power plants can be safely sequestered, and could provide Illinois with an advantage in job training and technology deployment. The ISGS received $8.9 million to address the feasibility of a commercial-scale CO2 geologic storage complex within the Mt. Simon sandstone formation located in Macon County. This work will build upon the success of the previous ADM-led pilot project, which sequestered over one million metric tons of CO2, to store over 50 million metric tons of CO2. The ISGS received an additional $1.2 million to study the challenges, opportunities, and risks involved in building a commercial-scale carbon capture and storage project at another location in East-Central Illinois. Richland Community College, PRI’s Illinois Sustainable Technolo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/senator-elect-tammy-duckworth-to-serve-on-committees-handling-infrastructure-transportation-small-business-energy-and-manufacturing-policy | Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth to Serve on Committees Handling Infrastructure, Transportation, Small Business, Energy & Manufacturing Policy | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 15, 2016 Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth to Serve on Committees Handling Infrastructure, Transportation, Small Business, Energy & Manufacturing Policy On Senate Committees, Duckworth will advance critical Illinois priorities that put Illinoisans back to work improving infrastructure, grow small businesses and continue her life's mission of advocating for Veterans CHICAGO, IL - After being sworn into the U.S. Senate on January 3rd, 2017, U.S. Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) will serve on several influential committees: Environment & Public Works; Energy & Natural Resources; Commerce, Science, & Transportation; and Small Business. These committee posts will give the Senator-elect an important platform to push for Illinois priorities like rebuilding our state's infrastructure, keeping the water system safe and lead-free, helping grow minority- and Veteran-owned small businesses, investing in advanced manufacturing and championing Illinois' crown jewels of scientific innovation: Argonne National Laboratory and Fermilab. "I am eager to get to work in the Senate--with members on both sides of the aisle--to help Illinois families with common-sense policies that grow manufacturing jobs, invest in communities that have been ignored for too long, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure and help make college more affordable for all Americans," said Duckworth regarding her priorities in the upcoming Congress. "I'm also going to work to continue my life's mission of supporting, protecting and keeping the promises we've made to our Veterans and ensuring we fully stand behind the troops we send into danger overseas." The Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee has jurisdiction over the nation's interstate highway system and other infrastructure projects like bridges and dams, giving Senator-elect Duckworth an important role in bolstering Illinois' status as a world-class air, road, rail and water transportation hub. EPW also handles important policies dealing with… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-joins-bill-to-require-president-vice-president-to-fully-divest-personal-financial-conflicts-of-interest | Durbin Joins Bill To Require President, Vice President To Fully Divest Personal Financial Conflicts Of Interest | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.16 Durbin Joins Bill To Require President, Vice President To Fully Divest Personal Financial Conflicts Of Interest Calls on Trump to Comply with Constitution's Emoluments Clause CHICAGO—On the day President-elect Donald Trump was supposed to inform the American people about his future with the Trump Organization, a group of Democratic U.S. senators announced they will introduce a bill in January that would require the President and Vice President to disclose and divest any potential financial conflicts of interest. It would also require presidential appointees to recuse themselves from any specific matters involving the President's financial conflicts of interest that come before their agencies. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Chris Coons (D-DE), and Jeff Merkley (D-OR). "President-elect Trump's financial entanglements are unprecedented in American history, and the American people are still waiting to hear what steps he will take before January 20th to guard against conflicts of interest and corruption in his Administration. Just this week, the President-elect cancelled a scheduled announcement about severing his business ties, taking time instead to meet with Kanye West," said Senator Durbin. "The American people deserve to know that their President is putting the United States' interests before his own, his family's, or that of any foreign government." "The American people deserve to know that the President of the United States is working to do what's best for the country - not using his office to do what's best for himself and his businesses," said Senator Warren. "The only way for President-elect Trump to truly eliminate conflicts-of-interest is to divest his financial interests and place them in a blind trust. This has been the standard for previous presidents, and our bill makes clear the continuing expectation that President-elect Trump do the sa… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-repealing-affordable-care-act-would-disrupt-lives-of-millions | Durbin: Repealing Affordable Care Act Would Disrupt Lives of Millions | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.16 Durbin: Repealing Affordable Care Act Would Disrupt Lives of Millions Durbin and Health Care Experts Discuss the Illinois Impact of Republican Plan to Repeal Affordable Care Act CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with doctors and health care experts to discuss the local impact of congressional Republicans plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act (ACA) – without replacing the law – in early January. Repealing the ACA will threaten health care for all Americans, drive up costs, and let insurance companies place arbitrary limits on benefits and deny coverage for pre-existing conditions or gender. More than one million people in Illinois would lose their health insurance in 2019 if the ACA is repealed, including 470,000 newly eligible or enrolled in Medicaid. “When congress passed the ACA in 2010, health care costs were skyrocketing and health insurance companies were not being held accountable for their unfair practices. The law addressed some of the most glaring gaps in America’s health care system and now, thanks to the ACA, the uninsured rate in Illinois has fallen by 49 percent,” Durbin said. “ACA is not perfect – no law is. But instead of working together on improvements, Republicans have instead voted over 60 times to outright repeal the law – without offering any ideas for how to replace it. Repealing our law – throwing our health care system, providers, and patients into chaos – is dangerous and will immediately disrupt the lives of millions. I will fight in Washington to protect the gains we have made under the ACA, and continue to support patients in need and the programs that serve them.” Republican leaders in Congress plan to move quickly next year to repeal the ACA without enacting a replacement plan to prevent a disruption of the U.S. healthcare system or to protect the millions of Americans who depend upon the law for their medical care. This approach could result in nearly 30… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/va-applies-bipartisan-provision-to-enhance-va-medical-care | VA Applies Bipartisan Provision To Enhance Va Medical Care | 2016-12-15 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.15.16 VA Applies Bipartisan Provision To Enhance Va Medical Care New policy will improve staffing at Veterans Administration health clinics WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) welcomed the news that the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) will implement one of the key proposals from the bipartisan Veterans Health Care Staffing Improvement Act, helping to ensure veterans can get the care they need from Advance Practice Registered Nurses. The VA will now allow Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and certification. This will help enable the VA to find enough medical professionals to fill the need for health care services for veterans. This is particularly important for primary care services in rural areas, where veterans struggle to find access to medical care. “Allowing these highly-qualified registered nurses to put their training to practice will help address delays at VA hospitals and clinics across the country,” said Senator Durbin. “I commend Secretary McDonald and Under Secretary Shulkin for taking steps to remove barriers to health care access by increasing the number of qualified medical professionals providing primary care to our nation’s veterans, and hope the VA can extend full practice authority to CRNAs in the future as well.”“After a lifetime of service to our nation, veterans deserve nothing but the best medical support. But unfortunately, all too many of our wounded warriors face significant hurdles to accessing the health care they need to thrive upon their return to civilian life,” said Senator Merkley. “In order to support our veterans to the best of their ability, our medical professionals must be able to practice to the full extent of their education, training, and certification. When it comes to our veterans, there should be no holding back. I’m thrilled th… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3158 | Lipinski Applauds NHTSA for Taking Next Step on Life-Saving Vehicle Technology | 2016-12-14 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) is praising the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposal to establish a standard for potentially life-saving vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication technology and to require this equipment for all new light duty vehicles manufactured after 2023. V2V uses dedicated short-range communications to exchange basic information about the operational status of vehicles in close proximity to one another. It is primarily used to improve safety and increase efficiency. “As co-chair of the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus, this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is a highly anticipated step forward for the emerging connected vehicle industry,” said Rep. Lipinski. “The NHTSA has worked collaboratively with stakeholders on all levels to develop a very good proposal. V2V communications can enable many life-saving functions like collision and blind spot warnings, as well as intersection assistance. This technology can significantly reduce the number of traffic deaths each year and help the development of autonomous vehicles. In addition, the proposal mandates a cybersecurity framework that protects the system from hackers and guards privacy by ensuring that no personal data is collected or transmitted.” For many years, Congressman Lipinski has been a leader on connected and automated vehicle policy. The comprehensive transportation bill known as the FAST Act, that became law a year ago, contained a number of provisions he authored that will help our nation continue to lead on this emerging technology, which will increase safety, ease congestion, cut down on energy usage, expand mobility, and create new manufacturing jobs. The FAST Act also included language from Lipinski’s Future TRIP Act, which specifically directs the University Transportation Centers program to focus research on connected and automated vehicles. Rep. Lipinski also pushed the NHTSA to release proposed guidance for improving motor vehicle cybersecurity. The guidance, released this past fall… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399188 | Rep. Rodney Davis Announces 2016 Congressional App Challenge Winners in the 13th District | 2016-12-14 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Rodney Davis Announces 2016 Congressional App Challenge Winners in the 13th District f t # e Taylorville, IL, December 14, 2016 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today announced the winners of Congressional App Challenge (CAC) in the 13th District of Illinois, Seth Davey and Ian McAtee, both of Edwardsville, with their submission of Interactive Computer Diagram, which shows various components of computer hardware and their functions providing for an interactive educational experience.The CAC encourages high school students to learn how to code by creating their own applications. The 2016 competition had more than 2,100 students participate with 650 original apps submitted from 123 congressional districts across 33 different states. Innovation and technology drive the success of our nation, said Davis. This competition not only highlights how critical STEM education is to our economy but it also encourages more students to engage in these fields. Congratulations to Bliss and all of this year's winners for their impressive submissions. Davey and McAtee are both currently enrolled as students at Edwardsville High School where Rep. Davis visited them to congratulate them on their success. Judges for the CAC included representatives from State Farm Research and Development Center and the National Center for Supercomputing Applications (NCSA), both located at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. According to the Davey and McAtee, The Interactive Computer Diagram is intended to provide an engaging educational experience. The app aims to help users to memorize computer hardware and their use. The diagram provides a visual reference and a detailed description of the components function. Additional information about the challenge can be found here. f t # … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3156 | Lipinski Calls for a Full Investigation into Russia's Alleged Hacking and Attempts to Influence Election | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) issued the following statement after recent reports on Russia’s hacking of Americans and interference with the 2016 Presidential Election: “I am deeply troubled by reports coming from the CIA regarding possible Russian interference in our recent elections. Based on Russia’s actions taken against other nations, including Estonia, Georgia, and Ukraine, it is of little surprise that President Putin would attempt to influence our democratic process. It is vital that we examine what occurred, and whether Russia sought to influence or more directly tamper with our elections. I support the calls for a special investigation into this, not to cast doubt on the results of the election so much as to identify the scope and consequence of Russia’s attempted influence, and to assure we put in place measures to prevent this from occurring again. “I will continue to make cybersecurity a top priority, but this will require cooperation that we don’t see enough of in Washington. Democrats and Republicans need to work together with the outgoing Obama Administration and the incoming Trump Administration to develop a bipartisan proactive approach to protecting Americans from cyber thefts and attacks.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-nomination-rex-tillerson-secretary-state | Quigley Statement on Nomination of Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement on the announcement that Rex Tillerson, CEO of ExxonMobil, will be President-Elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State: The Secretary of State has the immense responsibility of being America’s top diplomat, tasked with putting the interests and security of the United States and its people above all else. Unfortunately, the selection of Rex Tillerson, who serves as CEO of ExxonMobil and has close ties with Vladimir Putin, calls into question the glaring conflicts of interest he will bring with him into his position. His lack of diplomatic experience and questionable business dealings with foreign governments should be a serious cause for concern for all Members of Congress as the confirmation process begins. Mr. Tillerson’s personal and professional relationship with Vladimir Putin has been widely reported, and is particularly alarming at a time when significant evidence is pointing to Russia’s interference in our presidential election. As our intelligence communities continue to assess this incident, President-elect Trump’s nomination of Mr. Tillerson sends very mixed messages on our commitment to uphold and protect our democracy from those who wish us harm. Another one of the Secretary of State’s important functions will be representing the United States in the United Nations climate change talks and in bilateral environmental agreements with other countries. While Exxon Mobil has publicly praised the landmark Paris Agreement, Mr. Tillerson’s past statements raise serious doubts on his commitment to combat the immediate threats of the climate crisis. As climate change has severe national and economic security implications, it’s imperative that the future Secretary of State gives climate change the attention it deserves here at home and around the globe. Additionally, human rights observers have sounded the alarm on Mr. Tillerson’s past actions as CEO … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-nomination-rick-perry-energy-secretary | Quigley Statement on Nomination of Rick Perry for Energy Secretary | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the Sustainable Energy & Environment Coalition, released the following statement on the announcement that Former Governor of Texas Rick Perry will be President-Elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of the Department of Energy: I am deeply disappointed and concerned that President-Elect Trump has selected Former Texas Governor Rick Perry to lead the Department of Energy. In addition to having almost no relevant experience to prepare him to oversee a department charged with shaping the way we power our society moving forward, Perry once vowed to completely eliminate the vital cabinet department he is now being tapped to head. The Governor cannot be trusted or expected to effectively lead an agency that he doesn’t believe should even exist. Under President Obama, the Department of Energy has been led by two distinguished physicists who have helped guide advanced scientific and technological innovation and catalyze the proliferation of clean and renewable energy. By contrast, Perry has repeatedly questioned the settled science of climate change and championed the oil industry during his time as Governor of the state with the most renewable power in the country. Perry now hopes to lead an agency charged with regulating nuclear technology and running hundreds of research institutions and laboratories across the country despite having accused scientists of manipulating data to secure more funding for their work. I am a strong believer in the mission of the Department of Energy and grateful for the life-changing inventions and innovations that have occurred under its guidance. The Department of Energy is vital in our efforts to support a robust and sustainable clean energy economy, and I will fight to ensure that the agency is able to continue its good work and stay true to its duties, regardless of its leadership. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399187 | Davis Statement on Granite City Works Announcement | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | Davis Statement on Granite City Works Announcement f t # e Granite City, IL, December 13, 2016 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after U.S. Steel announced it will bring back roughly 227 workers who were laid off in January of 2016 to the Granite City Works.This is great news for many Granite City employees and their families, said Davis. Good-paying, manufacturing jobs like these are critical to our economy and to many trying to achieve the American Dream. There is no doubt that trading with other countries leads to job creation but we need to do a better job of enforcing these deals so countries like China are not breaking the rules and putting American workers at a disadvantage. Since we were successful in passing stronger trade enforcement provisions last year, the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) has ruled in favor of American steel companies several times to help level the playing field for American workers. However, more can be done and I'm looking forward to working with President-elect Trump on this issue. Davis introduced the American Trade Enforcement Effectiveness Act in response to American companies like U.S. Steel being put at a disadvantage because countries like China are cheating the system and break our trade laws. This bill was included as part of a larger trade package that was signed into law last year. It strengthens enforcement provisions against illegal trade practices such as the dumping of foreign products like steel into U.S. markets. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-announces-more-than-3-million-in-hud-funding-for-illinois-housing-and-community-development | Durbin Announces More Than $3 Million In HUD Funding For Illinois Housing And Community Development | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.16 Durbin Announces More Than $3 Million In HUD Funding For Illinois Housing And Community Development CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Chicago Housing Authority and The Village of Oak Park, Illinois will receive a total of $3,452,000 in grant funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Village of Oak Park received $3 million through the Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program to spur business development and economic growth in the community. The Chicago Housing Authority (CHA) received $452,000 through the Resident Opportunities and Self Sufficiency (ROSS) Public Housing Family Self-Sufficiency (PH-FSS) Program to provide public housing residents with supportive services, resident empowerment activities, and assistance in becoming economically self-sufficient. “These programs will help families gain the skills necessary to land good-paying jobs and affordable housing, and will give local development agencies the ability to help small business owners in their communities grow and thrive,” Durbin said. “I will continue fighting for federal funding that promotes the health and well-being of Illinois residents and businesses.” Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program Grant The Village of Oak Park will establish a business loan fund focused on lending to small and medium sized businesses. The Village will use these funds to spur expansion of existing businesses, promote neighborhood revitalization, create and retain jobs and deliver key services to the community. The Village plans to make loans to businesses for working capital, acquisition and rehabilitation activities as well as for machinery, equipment, furnishings and fixtures. Section 108 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 provides for a loan guarantee component of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program (Section 108) provides communities with a source of financing for economic development, housing rehabilitat… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-business-leaders-highlight-new-bill-to-protect-dreamers | Durbin, Business Leaders Highlight New Bill to Protect DREAMers | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.16 Durbin, Business Leaders Highlight New Bill to Protect DREAMers CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and the Illinois Business Immigration Coalition (IBIC) today highlighted Senator Durbin’s new legislation to ensure that the young undocumented immigrants known as DREAMers remain shielded from deportation if the Trump Administration ends the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Like DACA, the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act would provide temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to more than 740,000 young people who were brought to the United States as children. The bipartisan bill was introduced by Durbin and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY), are original cosponsors of the bill. “The DACA program has given DREAMers a chance to come out of the shadows and contribute more fully to the only country they’ve ever called home. These DREAMers have demonstrated their commitment to the United States in countless ways – by opening businesses, becoming doctors, lawyers, teachers and more,” said Senator Durbin. “I urge President-elect Trump to keep DACA in place, but if he does not my bipartisan legislation will ensure that DREAMers are protected from deportation until we are able to provide a permanent fix for our broken immigration system.” IBIC released a statement on the BRIDGE Act, which said, “We welcome the bipartisan legislative solution provided by Senators Graham and Durbin to grant temporary relief from deportations and work permits for more than 740,000 DREAMers who came to America as children. The bill provides a pathway for these young people to keep living, working and paying taxes in the United States. If passed, teachers, nurses, engineers and entrepreneurs will continue to work, create jobs, pay taxes, buy homes, and contribute to our economy and country. Without Congressional action, it’s likely t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-urges-education-department-to-provide-debt-relief-to-former-westwood-college-students-in-illinois | Durbin Urges Education Department To Provide Debt Relief To Former Westwood College Students In Illinois | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.16 Durbin Urges Education Department To Provide Debt Relief To Former Westwood College Students In Illinois WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) urged the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to work with Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan to provide prompt federal student loan debt relief through the Department’s borrower defense to repayment rule for more than three thousand former Westwood College students in Illinois. Last year, Attorney General Madigan settled a lawsuit with the company for $15 million after finding that Westwood misled students about the accreditation and cost of its criminal justice program. The settlement award provided some private student loan relief to Westwood students but did not cover federal student loans. “Attorney General Madigan’s suit and underlying evidence make clear that Westwood’s deceptive practices give rise to a cause of action under Illinois law, thereby qualifying approximately 3,600 Westwood criminal justice students in Illinois to federal student loan relief under the Department’s borrower defense to repayment regulation,” wrote Senator Durbin in a letter to Education Secretary John King. “I urge the Department to work with Attorney General Madigan to promptly provide loan discharges and notifications of discharge to those students identified by the Attorney General.” Last week, Senator Durbin met with Secretary King to discuss how the Obama Administration can continue to protect students and taxpayers from predatory for-profit colleges until January 20th. They also discussed federal student loan relief for defrauded students, including those who attended Westwood, Computer Systems Institute, and Corinthian Colleges. Full text of the letter is available here. 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/senators-call-for-national-intelligence-estimate-of-russian-tampering-in-us-election-request-confirmation-of-justice-dept-investigation | Senators Call For National Intelligence Estimate Of Russian Tampering In U.S. Election, Request Confirmation Of Justice Dept. Investigation | 2016-12-13 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.13.16 Senators Call For National Intelligence Estimate Of Russian Tampering In U.S. Election, Request Confirmation Of Justice Dept. Investigation In letters to Director James Clapper, Attorney General Lynch, Senators push Administration on Russian hacks WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Al Franken (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Gary Peters (D-MI), Bob Casey (D-PA), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Ed Markey (D-MA) today called for a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) to determine the extent of Russian intervention in the 2016 United States presidential election, accompanied by an unclassified summary of its key judgments by January 20th, 2017. An NIE is the formal, authoritative assessment of the Director of National Intelligence related to a particular national security issue, which reflects the collective judgment of the nation’s sixteen intelligence agencies. The senators also called on Attorney General Loretta Lynch to publicly confirm that nonpartisan career Justice Department officials are conducting a criminal investigation into the matter, and if not, to open one immediately. On Friday, the Washington Post reported that the CIA concluded in a secret assessment that Russia intervened in the election to assist Donald Trump. “Direct and deliberate interference in our election is an unprecedented breach and threat to U.S. democracy and national security—it is absolutely critical that information about these matters be disclosed to the public and to Congress,” the senators said. “We strongly support calls for bipartisan investigations by Congress—this issue requires the full attention of the executive and legislative branches alike, and a conclusive, public national intelligence estimate will lay out the facts for the American people. The public also needs transparency and reassurance that federal law enforcement is actively investigating these matters and that, … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congresswoman-kelly-calls-for-congressional-investigation-into-russia-s | Congresswoman Kelly Calls for Congressional Investigation into Russias Role in 2016 Election | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Robin Kelly | K000385 | robinkelly.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly, Ranking Member of the Oversight Committee’s subcommittee on Information Technology (IT) Security, sent a letter to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Oversight Committee chairman, Congressman Jason Chaffetz calling for a full and thorough investigation of Russia’s efforts to sway the 2016 Presidential election. “Voting is the bedrock of our democracy. As members of Congress, we have a responsibility to investigate and deliver real answers for the American people,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “The intelligence community has done their job and made it clear, we need to get to the bottom of this.” Specifically, her letter requests a full committee investigative hearing on “Russia’s actions in the 2016 Presidential race and its efforts to undermine our election.” The letter continues: “Now that CIA sources have indicated that there was indeed Russian interference in the 2016 Presidential contest, we must act swiftly to defend our democratic elections and hold the Putin Regime accountable for their actions.” “Failure to investigate these serious allegations is nothing short of a violation of the public trust,” added Congresswoman Kelly. Congresswoman Kelly also serves on the Oversight Committee's National Security subcommittee and is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/remarks-2016-national-immigrant-integration-conference-nashville-tn | Remarks at the 2016 National Immigrant Integration Conference, Nashville, TN | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) Not many Members of Congress get to be part of a movement. Not many get to help organize the nation for genuine, progressive social change. For that privilege, I want to thank all of you because working together, we are doing work that matters. Your work makes life for my constituents better and it makes fighting much easier when it is arm in arm with good people like you. There is no one I would rather share a fox hole with than Josh Hoyt [Executive Director of the National Partnership for New Americans] who is a national leader, a Chicago institution, and a personal friend. My biggest critics are at home in Chicago and so are my most stalwart friends. And outside of my family, the people who keep me going and keep me fighting are either in Chicago or they are here in this room or part of this movement. And this movement has now sent one of its own to Congress. So I want to say thank you to Seattle and to the pro-immigrant movement for sending Representative-elect Pramila Jayapal to us in Washington. We will take good care of her and I’m proud to know she is joining me in our fight for immigrants, for fairness and for justice. The new class in Congress – and the last several classes of young leaders who are coming to Washington to fight for immigrants – from Phoenix and Florida, Los Angeles, Nevada and New York – there are new leaders in the House who will join with us. I wish we had a better two or four years ahead of us, but Rep. Jayapal, thank you for stepping up and continuing the fight in your new role. I cannot sugar coat things, we are looking at a very dark time. Even when we had a President who said he was for immigration reform, we lost more than three-million people to deportation. So with all due respect to the topic of integration that brings us together at this conference, we know that we cannot integrate immigrants into our community if they have been deported and I think the next several years present a challenge like no other we have faced in recen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3153 | Lipinski Honors 2016 Senior Citizens of the Year | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) announced the winners of the 2016 Senior Citizen of the Year Award during a special program in Hickory Hills. The winners were chosen based on their contributions to their communities in the Third Congressional District. “I am honored to recognize these seniors who have selflessly donated their time and energy to causes and pursuits that teach us all the value of service. They have truly made our neighborhoods and communities a better place to live.” The 2016 Senior Citizen of the Year Award winners are: Tom Ballard, Lemont; Dolores Barnes, Palos Park; Phyllis Churulo, Romeoville; John Coleman, Burbank; Rich Davis, Lockport; Mary DeMarco, Chicago (Canaryville); Bruce Haugen, Willow Springs; Anita Kieca, Hickory Hills; Sharon Skala, Chicago (Archer Heights); Arlene Norton-White, Chicago (Garfield Ridge); Robert Wilcox, Oak Lawn; and Joyce Wisniowicz of Orland Park. To be eligible for this award, a senior must be nominated by the leader of an organization or an official from their community. Only a select few are chosen to receive this honor. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-durbin-announce-chicago-post-office-be-renamed-after-officer | Quigley, Durbin Announce Chicago Post Office to Be Renamed After Officer Joseph P. Cali | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | CHICAGO – U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) announced the Senate passed legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office facility located at 6300 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago, Illinois as the Officer Joseph P. Cali Post Office Building. Vietnam War Veteran and Chicago Police Officer Joseph P. Cali was shot and killed on May 19, 1975, at the age of 31 while writing a parking ticket in the 2100 block of West Lake Street. He was survived by his wife, Neva, and two young daughters, Jennifer and Carolyn. “With the naming of this post office, I am proud to honor the bravery and service of Chicago police officer, Joseph P. Cali,” said Quigley. “Officer Cali made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and I know that this post office will pay tribute to his dedication to the City of Chicago and all its residents.” “Officer Cali was a true public servant, putting his life on the line in Vietnam and paying the ultimate sacrifice as a Chicago police officer at a tragically young age. He could not be more deserving of this recognition and honor,” said Durbin. “I am proud to join Congressman Quigley in this effort to recognize Officer Cali’s years of public service.” Rep. Quigley introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to rename the U.S. Post Office in honor of Officer Cali in July. In September, Senator Durbin sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs calling for legislation to designate this facility to be passed as soon as possible. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-investigation-russian-hacking | Quigley Statement on Investigation Into Russian Hacking | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), who serves on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released the following statement in support of a Congressional investigation in response to reports that Russian hackers attempted to influence the election: The recent findings of Russian interference in our presidential election should concern every American, regardless of political affiliation. A thorough, bipartisan, bicameral investigation should be convened as soon as possible in order to provide the American people with the facts and answers they deserve in regards to the scope and timing of this alleged involvement. As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I believe that it is time for us to come together and put our country first by fulfilling our responsibility to uphold the democratic foundation on which nation was built. Congress’s response to this incident could have major foreign policy implications in the weeks, months, and years to come. The world is watching, and we must do all we can to deter future intrusions into our institutions, from Russia or any other actors who wish us harm. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-kirk-announce-illinois-post-offices-to-be-renamed-after-abner-j-mikva-officer-joseph-p-cali | Durbin, Kirk Announce Illinois Post Offices To Be Renamed After Abner J. Mikva, Officer Joseph P. Cali | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.16 Durbin, Kirk Announce Illinois Post Offices To Be Renamed After Abner J. Mikva, Officer Joseph P. Cali CHICAGO – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) today announced the Senate passed legislation to name two U.S. Post Office facilities after Illinois' Abner J. Mikva and Officer Joseph P. Cali. “Abner Mikva was always my North Star for integrity, independence, and progressive values. And Officer Cali was a true public servant, putting his life on the line in Vietnam and paying the ultimate sacrifice as a Chicago police officer at a tragically young age. Both men could not be more deserving of this recognition and honor,” said Durbin. “I am proud to join my colleagues in this effort to recognize their years of public service.” “Abner Mikva and Officer Cali served the people of Illinois with integrity and honor,” said Kirk. “Abner Mikva was the embodiment of an honorable public servant, sharing his independent voice with each branch of government during his long career. Officer Cali bravely defended our country in the military and then fought to keep the streets of Chicago safe as a Chicago Police Officer, only to have his life stolen by the very violence he worked to prevent. These designations are a small token of gratitude for the sacrifice these men made for our state and our Nation.” Earlier this year, Senators Durbin and Kirk introduced legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office facility located at 1101 Davis Street in Evanston, Illinois, as the Abner J. Mikva Post Office Building. Abner Mikva, who passed away on July 4th at the age of 90, was a five-term Democratic congressman from Illinois, chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit, and White House Counsel for President Bill Clinton. The U.S. Post Office facility located at 6300 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago will be designated as the Officer Joseph P. Cali Post Office Building. Vietnam War Veteran and Chicago Police Officer Joseph P. Cali was fatally killed on May 19, 1975, whi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-quigley-announce-chicago-post-office-to-be-renamed-after-officer-joseph-p-cali | Durbin, Quigley Announce Chicago Post Office To Be Renamed After Officer Joseph P. Cali | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.16 Durbin, Quigley Announce Chicago Post Office To Be Renamed After Officer Joseph P. Cali CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) and U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) announced the Senate passed legislation to designate the U.S. Post Office facility located at 6300 N. Northwest Highway in Chicago, Illinois as the Officer Joseph P. Cali Post Office Building. Vietnam War Veteran and Chicago Police Officer Joseph P. Cali was shot and killed on May 19, 1975, at the age of 31 while writing a parking ticket in the 2100 block of West Lake Street. He was survived by his wife, Neva, and two young daughters, Jennifer and Carolyn. “Officer Cali was a true public servant, putting his life on the line in Vietnam and paying the ultimate sacrifice as a Chicago police officer at a tragically young age. He could not be more deserving of this recognition and honor,” said Durbin. “I am proud to join Congressman Quigley in this effort to recognize Officer Cali’s years of public service.” “With the naming of this post office, I am proud to honor the bravery and service of Chicago police officer, Joseph P. Cali,” said Quigley. “Officer Cali made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and I know that this post office will pay tribute to his dedication to the City of Chicago and all its residents.” In September, Senator Durbin sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs calling for legislation to designate this facility to be passed as soon as possible. Rep. Quigley introduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives to rename the U.S. Post Office in honor of Officer Cali in July. 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/durbins-bipartisan-bill-to-reauthorize-leasing-authority-at-arsenals-passes-senate | Durbins Bipartisan Bill To Reauthorize Leasing Authority At Arsenals Passes Senate | 2016-12-12 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.12.16 Durbin’s Bipartisan Bill To Reauthorize Leasing Authority At Arsenals Passes Senate CHICAGO – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Mark Kirk (R-IL), Joni Ernst (R-IA), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) released the following statement after the Senate passed their bipartisan legislation, the Arsenal Installation Reutilization Authority, to reauthorize the leasing authority at Department of Defense arsenals and military instillations for unused office space to outside tenants: "This legislation provides the kind of thoughtful, engaged approach we need to ensure the continued health of Rock Island Arsenal since lease revenue is an important piece of its long-term economic sustainability," said Durbin. "I’m proud to have worked alongside my colleagues in the Illinois and Iowa Congressional Delegations on this important legislation, and I will continue to fight for federal investment for Rock Island in order to provide the Arsenal with the necessary tools to unlock its own economic potential." "The Arsenal will now have the flexibility to attract more jobs to the Quad Cities as unnecessary bureaucratic red tape is eliminated,” said Kirk. “This legislation will encourage private investment and provide the Arsenal with more resources and personnel to maintain its strength and role as a leader in the defense industry." “I am pleased the Senate passed this commonsense, bipartisan legislation to reduce government costs, which boosts our local economies,” said Ernst. “Importantly for the Quad Cities, this would allow the Rock Island Arsenal to resume their leasing authority, which expired in 2012, and continue attracting new businesses and jobs to the region. While I am disappointed this will not get a vote in the House this year, I will continue to fight through all possible routes to restore this authority for Rock Island Arsenal. This includes introducing this legislation again next year if necessary.” “It took a lot of work and negotiation by our bi-state delegation to ge… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-foster-d-il-statement-on-reported-trump-survey-of-0 | Congressman Foster (D-IL) Statement on Reported Trump Survey of Department of Energy Scientists | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | legacy | The report that President Elect Trump wants to identify civil servants at the Department of Energy who work on climate change and international diplomacy is deeply disturbing. It harkens back to an era when politicians sought out individuals for partisan politics with little basis of any wrongdoing. The United States has always been at the forefront of scientific inquiry and innovation. These Cold War era tactics threaten to undo the decades of progress we have made on climate change and to dissuade a new generation of scientists from tackling our world’s biggest problems. No one should have to work in fear of political retaliation. Our leaders should encourage an atmosphere of open research and scientific inquiry without political obstruction. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/guti-rrez-encouraged-bipartisan-bridge-act-seeks-house-measure-daca | Gutirrez Encouraged By Bipartisan BRIDGE Act, Seeks House Measure for DACA DREAMers | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | Chicago – Today, Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) introduced the bipartisan BRIDGE Act to protect DREAMers with DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) by extending the program for three years. Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) issued the following statement: I am going to do whatever I can to protect the children and young adults who signed up for DACA. Period. They came forward because the President and many other leaders, including myself, asked them to register, go through the process, and trust that by following the rules they would be rewarded with the opportunity to stay in the only country they have ever known. The DREAMers I know are worried about what a Trump Administration means for their future and their ability to work, study, and remain connected to their families. This bill is a start and I plan to work with colleagues in both parties to introduce a similar effort in the House of Representatives. Obviously, the young people who have complied with the DACA program have stepped up as leaders for the entire immigrant community. While this bill focuses on this specific group of DREAMers with DACA, the broader immigrant community deserves reassurance that the lives they have built in the United States – in most cases over decades – will not be erased. I am committed to resisting any attempts at mass deportation, mass criminalization, mass registration, or mass demonization of immigrants who work hard and have contributed so much to America. I am very proud of Senator Graham and my Senator, Dick Durbin, who once again have stepped up in the Senate to lead the way. There are dozens of men and women in the Republican Party in the House who have stepped up in the past and I expect to work with anyone who will join me and other Democrats in putting America’s immigrants in a safe place. Rep. Gutiérrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and is the Co-Chair of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-visits-chicago-union-station-tour-infrastructure-discussion | Quigley Visits Chicago Union Station for Tour, Infrastructure Discussion with Amtrak | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | CHICAGO – U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD), joined Amtrak leadership at Chicago Union Station to discuss transportation infrastructure plans, improvement projects and accessibility priorities for the city of Chicago’s railways as part of his “Mike on the Move” initiative. “Safe, reliable, and affordable transportation options are essential in ensuring the continued prosperity of our city and our nation,” said Rep. Quigley. “Having the opportunity to see the progress on improvement projects for Chicago transportation firsthand highlights how critical these long-term, forward-thinking investments are in our efforts to modernize our infrastructure, which will help people and goods travel more safely and efficiently, all while reducing congestion, creating jobs, and stimulating local economies.” “We are proud of the progress we’ve made with improvements for all the users of the station, Amtrak customers and Metra passengers alike,” said Ray Lang, President of the Amtrak-owned Chicago Union Station Co. “We are in a Master Plan process to study the next steps toward remaking the transportation elements of the station, in partnership with the city of Chicago, Metra and the RTA.” During his tour, Rep. Quigley discussed the master plan for Chicago Union Station renovations with station leadership and toured the recent restoration of the Burlington Room, which previously served as the women’s lounge, as well as the new metropolitan lounge and the transit center. Currently, the design phase of the master plan is thirty percent complete. Rep. Quigley joins Suzanne Mosher, Senior Manager of Infrastructure Planning at Amtrak, and Paul Sanders, Senior Manager Facilities Management for Amtrak to discuss upcoming plans to continue expanding Union Station’s accommodations. “Our increase in passenger counts mean we’ve outgrown the 1990’s configuration of the concourse level and we need to better accommodate both our ri… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399183 | ICYMI: Senate is Choosing Bureaucrats Over Veterans | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) and Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) are disappointed that Senate Democrats are holding up their veterans bill to seemingly protect the VA from greater transparency. The WINGMAN Act will create more transparency within the claims process, which as of July the VA had a 70,000 backlog in disability claims. This bill passed the House with unanimous support. Below is an op-ed by Davis and Yoho published in The Hill: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.) are standing in the way of improving customer service for our nation's veterans. We introduced WINGMAN (H.R. 5166) in May of this year with broad bipartisan support - 137 of our colleagues in the House signed on as co-sponsors. The bill allows trained congressional caseworkers to check the status of a veteran's claim and view relevant files within the VA's claims system. Veterans often contact our offices as a last resort because they have already spent weeks or months waiting for the VA to respond to their request. This will streamline the claims process by eliminating the burdensome step of having to use the VA as a middle-man. WINGMAN will reduce the wait time for file requests by veterans, which can take weeks or even years. This past week the House unanimously passed WINGMAN and sent it to the Senate. The Senate has the opportunity to hotline this commonsense bill so we can begin to help frustrated veterans and their families before this Congress adjourns. Unfortunately, Sen. Reid and a few Democrats in the Senate are blocking these efforts seemingly to protect the VA. Two years ago, along with more than a hundred of our colleagues, we approached the VA about changing the way constituent caseworkers could expedite the claims process. Months later, we received a polite response explaining the VA was working to better serve veterans and looked forward to working with Congress moving forward. We continued to write the VA and they continued to make politely vague comments while veterans who have contacted our office … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399185 | House Keeps Promise, Reauthorizes Another Water Resources Bill | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | House Keeps Promise, Reauthorizes Another Water Resources Bill f t # e Washington, DC, December 9, 2016 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released this statement after the House passed the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, which includes the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA). This bill is expected to be signed into law after passage in the Senate this week.As a member of the House Transportation Committee, we promised to reauthorize the water resources bill every two years to ensure proper oversight of the Army Corps so we can repair and enhance our waterways, said Davis. I believe the Corps can and must do better than taking 10 or 20 years to get projects off the ground. This is why I am requesting a study on the cost and benefits of transferring management of the Inland Waterway Trust Fund to a not-for-profit or government-owned corporation. Our farmers need, and taxpayers deserve, a reliable system to move their products to market. Other 13th District priorities in the bill include: Directs a study on systematic flood damage reduction in the Upper Mississippi and Illinois River Basins; Improves the Army Corps of Engineers Section 408 permitting process without expanding Federal jurisdiction; and Language allowing approval of state programs for the control of coal combustion materials, including coal ash. f t # e | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-calls-on-senate-colleagues-to-support-bridge-act-to-protect-dreamers | Durbin Calls On Senate Colleagues To Support Bridge Act To Protect Dreamers | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.16 Durbin Calls On Senate Colleagues To Support Bridge Act To Protect Dreamers WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today spoke on the Senate floor about new bipartisan legislation to ensure that the young undocumented immigrants known as DREAMers remain shielded from deportation under a Trump Administration. Like Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act would provide temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to young undocumented immigrants who were brought to the United States as children. “If DACA is eliminated, what happens to [DREAMers]? That’s been a concern and a fear, not just on this side of aisle, but on the other side as well. I’m happy to report that Senator Lindsey Graham has stepped forward. We’re working together on a measure we call the BRIDGE Act, which we are going to introduce today,” said Senator Durbin. “This is an effort by Senator Graham and myself to have a bipartisan answer to the question about what happens to these 800,000 and others like them while we debate the future of immigration.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor are available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition and standard definition. The BRIDGE Act would provide “provisional protected presence” and employment authorization to DACA-eligible individuals. A current DACA recipient would receive provisional protected status until the expiration date of his or her DACA status and could apply for provisional protected presence prior to this expiration. An individual who is not a DACA recipient but who is eligible for DACA could also apply for provisional protected presence. Applicants would be required to pay a reasonable fee, be subject to criminal background checks, and meet a number of eligibility criteria indicating that they came to the Un… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/graham-durbin-announce-bipartisan-bridge-act-to-protect-young-individuals-from-deportation | Graham, Durbin Announce Bipartisan Bridge Act To Protect Young Individuals From Deportation | 2016-12-09 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.09.16 Graham, Durbin Announce Bipartisan Bridge Act To Protect Young Individuals From Deportation WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced they are introducing bipartisan legislation to protect young undocumented individuals should the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program be discontinued. U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), and Jeff Flake (R-AZ) are original cosponsors of the bill. Like DACA, the Bar Removal of Individuals who Dream and Grow our Economy (BRIDGE) Act would provide temporary relief from deportation and work authorization to young undocumented individuals who were brought to the United States as children. “It’s my firm belief most Americans want to fix a broken immigration system in a humane manner,” said Graham. “In my view, the DACA Executive Order issued by President Obama was unconstitutional and President-elect Trump would be right to repeal it. However, I do not believe we should pull the rug out and push these young men and women -- who came out of the shadows and registered with the federal government -- back into the darkness. Our legislation continues to provide legal status to them for three years as Congress seeks a permanent solution. These young people have much to offer the country and we stand to benefit from the many contributions they will make to America. I’m confident that if President-elect Trump were to support this measure we can repeal the unconstitutional Executive Order and Congress will provide temporary legal status through the proper constitutional process.” “DREAMers have so much to contribute to this country, their country, and they’ve demonstrated their commitment to the United States in countless ways – by opening businesses, becoming doctors and teachers, and serving in uniform,” said Senator Durbin. “That’s why I’m proud to work with Senator Graham to ensure that DREAMers are protected from deportation until we are able to provide a permanent fi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399462 | House Votes to Invest in Waterway Infrastructure | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | Today, the House passed legislation that addresses the needs of waterways infrastructure throughout the country. Following votes, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released this statement: share: f t Washington, DC – Today, the House passed legislation that addresses the needs of waterways infrastructure throughout the country. Following votes, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released this statement: “Today, the House passed legislation that will help to ensure the integrity and effectiveness of waterways systems throughout the nation. These systems are vital sources of drinking water for our communities, transportation for our businesses, and places of enjoyment for our families. Included in this legislation are important reforms to encourage greater oversight of water infrastructure projects around the country while giving local voices a stronger say in project selection. These improvements for our drinking water and infrastructure will be critically important not only here in Illinois, but across the nation. “As the House concluded its legislative business today by passing a continuing resolution to fund the government through April 28, 2017, the next step in working for the American people begins. And, as the Majority Leader said in closing, we are looking forward to a busy and productive 115th Congress.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399463 | Rep. Kinzinger on the Passing of American hero, John Glenn | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | After the news of the passing of astronaut, combat veteran, and former Senator John Glenn, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement: share: f t Washington, DC – Congressman Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) released the following statement on the passing of astronaut, combat veteran, and former U.S. Senator John Glenn: “A member of the Greatest Generation, John Glenn was an American hero at a time when we needed it most during the Cold War. He left an indelible mark on history when, in 1962, he became the first U.S. astronaut to orbit the Earth. He also served as a military pilot in WWII and the Korean War, and later represented the state of Ohio in the United States Senate. “My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family, and the entire NASA community. As a nation, we are eternally grateful for John Glenn, for his service to us and the world of space and science. His legacy will continue to encourage us all to dream, discover, and explore.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-rush-senator-booker-introduce-concurrent-resolution-to-address | Rep. Rush & Senator Booker Introduce Concurrent Resolution to Address Exorbitant Prison Phone Rates | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), joined by U.S. Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.), introduced a Concurrent Resolution to address exorbitant prison phone rates between the imprisoned and their loved ones. Since the 109th Congress, Rep. Rush, a senior member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee, has introduced federal legislation and advocated nationally for dramatically reducing exorbitant rates that are charged for phone calls between inmates and their families. In 2005, Rep. Rush first introduced the Family Telephone Connection Protection Act to require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to regulate exorbitant, interstate calling rates for prison phone calls between parents, spouses and families with children. Rep. Rush has reintroduced this legislation in every subsequent Congress to put an end to the kickbacks — also known as site commissions — received by prisons based on incoming and outgoing calls between inmates and their loved ones. A diverse coalition of both liberal and conservative groups has also called for regulatory action to resolve this matter. The exorbitant and costly fees that American families incur to phone incarcerated loved ones are financially draining. According to Prison Legal News, more than two million Americans are housed within prison walls. “For last decade, I have sought to end the ‘family divide,’ a term analogous to the ‘digital divide’ that exists with regard to unequal access to communication services between incarcerated members of our society and their loved ones,” said Rep. Rush. “I firmly believe that communication, along with the ability to express love toward family, is a fundamental need, and one’s humanity does not perish when they enter the prison system.” Senator Booker, a long time champion for prison reforms understands the dire need for solutions to decreasing prison populations. The U.S. makes up about five percent of the world’s population, but comprises nearly 25 percent of the world’s prison population. In an effort to… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-introduces-two-legislative-initiatives-the-laquan-mcdonald-camera | Rush Introduces Two Legislative Initiatives: The Laquan McDonald Camera Act and the Family Reconstruction Act | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) introduced two legislative initiatives that address social and economic injustices in policing and public policy. Rush introduced the Laquan McDonald Camera Act which will require state and local law enforcement agencies to have in effect, and enforce, a policy regarding the use of body-worn cameras and dashboard cameras in order to receive federal funds. Rush also introduced the Family Reconstruction Act that seeks to establish a commission to study family reconstruction proposals for African-Americans unjustly impacted by the ‘‘War on Drugs’’. The Laquan McDonald Camera Act comes as result of the countless incidents of police violence that are lacking camera footage, even when body cameras and/or dashboard cameras were available on-scene. Rush named the bill to honor 17-year-old Laquan McDonald. When McDonald, who was shot 16 times by Chicago Police Officer Jason Van Dyke in 2014, was shot, dashboard cameras were on scene and functioning but the audio functionality had allegedly been disabled. In the past five years, dozens of cases of police shootings from across the country depicted murders of individuals for routine traffic stops or minor infractions. The Family Reconstruction Act will create a commission to acknowledge the fundamental injustice and the subsequent de jure and de facto racial and economic discrimination against African-Americans impacted by the ‘‘War on Drugs’’. Rush believes the War on Drugs has played a disparate and discriminatory role in the mass incarceration that has focused too harshly on African-American families. The responsibilities of the commission are to determine the role that the government and private corporations played in the prison industrial complex, make recommendations to Congress on appropriate remedies, and for other purposes. The “War on Drugs” launched by former President Richard J. Nixon began nearly 40 years ago and disproportionately impacted African-American families. Despite roughly equal rates of dr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-lipinski-jones-introduce-bipartisan-buy-america-legislation/ | Bustos, Lipinski and Jones Introduce Bipartisan Buy America Legislation | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-03) and Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-03) introduced the Buy America for Drinking Water Extension Act. This bipartisan legislation would create jobs and grow the economy by ensuring that all iron and steel products used for projects in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) are made entirely in the United States. “Growing our local economy and boosting the manufacturing industry in our region have always been among my top priorities – that’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan, common-sense ‘Buy America’ legislation,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “Our state and federally funded construction projects should use American-made steel and iron while benefitting American workers. I’m proud to join Representatives Lipinski and Jones in this effort, and I will continue to fight for Illinois’ manufacturers and working families.” “We must strengthen Buy America laws and close the loopholes that allow our tax dollars to employ foreign workers rather than Americans,” Congressman Lipinski said. “Buying American is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create jobs and give the overall economy a boost. This legislation would help ensure that we are supporting American workers, especially the hard-working middle class.” “I believe that taxpayer dollars should solely support American-made infrastructure. Unfortunately, current provisions in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund are weak and Buy America text is only written for FY 2017,” Congressman Jones said. “Representatives Cheri Bustos, Dan Lipinski and I introduced this legislation to ensure Congress never puts a limit on supporting this country’s economy.” Many infrastructure projects are subject to “Buy America” provisions that require the use of American-made iron and steel. This fall, the Senate passed their version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), including a permanent “Buy America” requirement for projects funded by the DWSRF. Last week, Representativ… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/lahood-bill-included-water-resources-infrastructure-measure-one-step | LaHood Bill Included in Water Resources, Infrastructure Measure is One Step Closer to President's Desk | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.—Congressman Darin LaHood voted today to pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation (WIIN) Act, comprehensive legislation to address the needs of America’s harbors, locks, and dams, flood protection, and other water resources infrastructure critical to America’s economy. The WIIN Act includes a bill introduced by Rep. LaHood—the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act of 2016. WIIN passed the house today by a vote of 360-61. “Water infrastructure in central and west-central Illinois is critical to the success of economic development and job growth, which is why I’m thrilled to see this bill pass with such strong support. The Illinois River touches 11 of the 19 counties I represent in the 18th District, with nearly two million jobs tied to related activities. It’s crucial that our waterways operate efficiently and effectively, especially given the fact that more than 600 million tons of cargo worth more than $230 billion moves throughout our national network annually. The Mississippi River and the Illinois River collectively transport almost 65,000 tons of this cargo each year. By providing vital support, this bill supports the life blood of the economy: efficient transportation of goods on our waterways, which ultimately supports manufacturing and agriculture.” stated Rep. LaHood. “Additionally, I am pleased to see legislation that I introduced in the House earlier this year included in this bill. As a father who regularly enjoys the outdoors with my three sons, modernizing the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration Act will improve conservation efforts for outdoorsmen and increase economic opportunities for our fishermen.” The WIIN Act authorizes $10 billion in fully offset funds for critical projects and activities related to the key missions of the Army Corps of Engineers, builds on the bipartisan reforms of WRDA 2014, and continues to restore the two-year WRDA cycle that is critical to Congressional oversight. For more on the Great Lakes Fish and Wildlife Restoration A… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3145 | Lipinski, Bustos, and Jones Introduce Bipartisan "Buy America" Legislation | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3), Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), and Congressman Walter Jones (NC-3) have introduced the Buy America for Drinking Water Extension Act. This bipartisan legislation would create jobs and grow the economy by ensuring that all iron and steel products used for projects in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) are made entirely in the United States. “We must strengthen Buy America laws and close the loopholes that allow our tax dollars to employ foreign workers rather than Americans,” said Rep. Lipinski. “Buying American is one of the fastest and most effective ways to create jobs and give the overall economy a boost. This legislation would help ensure that we are supporting American workers, especially the hard-working middle class.” “Growing our local economy and boosting the manufacturing industry in our region have always been among my top priorities – that’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan, common-sense 'Buy America' legislation,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “Our state and federally funded construction projects should use American-made steel and iron while benefitting American workers. I’m proud to join Representatives Lipinski and Jones in this effort, and I will continue to fight for Illinois’ manufacturers and working families.” “I believe that taxpayer dollars should solely support American-made infrastructure. Unfortunately, current provisions in the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund are weak and Buy America text is only written for FY 2017,” Congressman Jones said. “Representatives Cheri Bustos, Dan Lipinski, and I introduced this legislation to ensure that Congress never puts a limit on supporting this country’s economy.” Many infrastructure projects are subject to “Buy America” provisions that require the use of American-made iron and steel. In the fall, the Senate passed their version of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), including a permanent “Buy America” requirement for projects funded by the DWSRF. Last week, Represen… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3149 | Lipinski Helps House Pass Water Infrastructure Bill to Boost Economy and Protect the Environment | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Today, Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) helped the House pass the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WINN), formerly known as the Water Resources Development Act or WRDA. The bill authorizes the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to develop and maintain America’s vital inland water infrastructure, including the locks and dams that mitigate flooding and facilitate commerce along the Chicago Ship and Sanitary Canal which runs through the Third Congressional District. It also contains a number of important provisions Lipinski supported to help clean up the Great Lakes and prevent the spread of invasive species. In addition, the bill includes an amendment led by Rep. Lipinski in the House Transportation Committee that requires the Corps of Engineers to publish an annual report on the amount of foreign goods they are procuring for use in civil works construction projects. “Not only do American taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent, but my amendment allows domestic manufacturers to analyze the Corps’ needs and find ways to work with them to keep American manufacturing competitive,” said Rep. Lipinski. “Overall, WIIN invests in one of our greatest resources, our vast transportation network served by ships and barges. It modernizes critical parts of this network, which will help lead to economic growth and middle-class jobs for the district and the nation.” The bill also includes legislation Lipinski co-sponsored to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which enables projects that clean up the Great Lakes basin, restore habitat, and prevent the spread of invasive species. Additionally, the bill sets aside money for the Great Lakes Navigation System to improve harbors. As Co-Chair of the Buy American Caucus, Lipinski worked to include a permanent Buy America provision in the bill that would apply to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF). “Unfortunately, we were only able to get a one year application of Buy America requirements to the drinkin… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-nomination-andy-puzder-labor-secretary | Quigley Statement on Nomination of Andy Puzder for Labor Secretary | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) released the following statement on the announcement that Andy Puzder, the CEO of CKE Restaurants, is President-Elect Trump’s nominee for Labor Secretary: The President-elect’s selection of Andy Puzder for Labor Secretary proves that the incoming administration has no intention of being a friend to the American worker. As CEO of CKE Restaurants, Mr. Puzder has openly voiced his opposition to increasing the minimum wage, providing paid sick leave, and expanding overtime pay requirements. Just as troubling are the reports of years of labor violations that have occurred at Carl’s Jr. restaurants, of which CKE is the parent company. Our country deserves a Labor Secretary that will stand up for workers rights, strengthen our unions, and fight to close the widening income inequality gap so that our economic recovery is felt by all Americans. Instead the President-elect has chosen a person that will be more focused on enriching billionaire executives than growing and supporting the middle class. That is unacceptable, and I stand ready to hold Mr. Puzder accountable to his responsibilities on behalf of the hard-working families he will be obligated to protect. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399184 | Davis Statement on Rivan Automotive's Discussions to Purchase Closed Mitsubishi Plant in Normal | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | Davis Statement on Rivan Automotive's Discussions to Purchase Closed Mitsubishi Plant in Normal f t # e Springfield, IL, December 8, 2016 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement following the news that Rivan Automotive is in discussion to purchase the closed Mitsubishi Motors plant in Normal:"This is great news for the Bloomington-Normal community," said Davis. "We have always known that this community is home to some of the most-talented, driven workers right here in Central Illinois and this is reflected by Rivian's desire to invest and create jobs here. It's also because of the diligent efforts led by the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, Town of Normal and Mayor Koos, the McLean County Board, and the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity to recruit new employers to the area." | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://shimkus.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/as-congress-adjourns-shimkus-recalls-accomplishments | As Congress Adjourns, Shimkus Recalls Accomplishments | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | John Shimkus | S000364 | shimkus.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, as the U.S. House of Representatives adjourned for the 114th Congress, Congressman John Shimkus (R, Illinois-15) touted a number of his recent legislative accomplishments. “There is this media-driven myth that nothing good ever gets done on Capitol Hill anymore,” said Shimkus. “But if you look past the partisan bickering and hyped-up controversies that grab headlines, I think most Americans would be surprised at what the 114th Congress actually accomplished.” During the two-year session, Shimkus introduced eight bills that were signed into law. Enacting Chemical Safety Reform “My top legislative achievement this Congress was undoubtedly bringing the Toxic Substances Control Act into the 21st Century,” said Shimkus. “Virtually every manufactured good we come into contact with each day – from carpets to car seats to cleaning solutions – is touched by a law that had not been updated in 40 years. The bipartisan legislation I authored and negotiated will give consumers confidence that the products they buy are safe for their intended use, and will give industry the certainty they need to grow and create jobs.” Shimkus’s chemical safety legislation, which was signed into law last June, had broad support from industry and environmental groups alike – including a number of chemical manufacturers and distributers with ties to southern Illinois. Making Improvements to FDA Reviews “In the coming days, policy ideas from six healthcare bills I authored will also be signed into law as part of the 21st Century Cures legislation,” Shimkus said. “My provisions included in that bill seek to speed up FDA’s review and approval processes for medical devices, as well as allow for more review exemptions for devices needed to treat some of the rarest diseases. Along with another provision aimed at treating drug-resistant infections, these improvements to our healthcare system will help maintain American leadership in medical innovation.” A summary of Shimkus-sponsored provisions included in the Cures bill can be fo… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.duckworth.senate.gov//news/press-releases/senator-elect-tammy-duckworth-announces-senior-staff-appointments | Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth Announces Senior Staff Appointments | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Tammy Duckworth | D000622 | www.duckworth.senate.gov | legacy | December 08, 2016 Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth Announces Senior Staff Appointments HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL- Senator-elect Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced she will appointment several senior staff members in her new U.S. Senate office next year. Her leadership team will retain the entire senior staff from her Eighth District Congressional Office. Duckworth will be sworn in as Illinois' junior U.S. Senator on Tuesday, January 3rd, 2017. "I'm so pleased to have Kaitlin, Kalina, Cameron and the rest of my incredibly strong leadership team joining me as senior advisors in the Senate next year," said Senator-elect Duckworth. "Their experience and talent will help them hit the ground running in their roles and go a long way toward ensuring that my work to help Illinois families, grow small businesses and support our Veterans is successful." The following Senate office senior staff members were announced today: Kaitlin Fahey, Chief of Staff - An Elmhurst native, Fahey has served Senator-elect Duckworth since 2006 in several roles, including as Chief of Staff in her House office, as a senior advisor at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and--most recently--as Campaign Manager of Duckworth's successful Senate race. Kalina Bakalov, Deputy Chief of Staff and Legislative Director - Bakalov currently serves as the Congresswoman's House Chief of Staff. She has more than 7 years of experience on Capitol Hill, including as Legislative Director in Senator-elect Duckworth's House office, which she joined in 2013. Cameron Joost, State Director - A Springfield resident, Joost joined Senator-elect Duckworth's campaign as Political Director this year. She served as Downstate Political Director on U.S. Senator Dick Durbin's (D-IL) successful 2014 re-election campaign and in his Springfield Senate office for more than 4 years. She also spent nearly 3 years on staff at the Illinois State Senate Democratic Caucus in Springfield. Marina Faz-Huppert, Chicago Director - Faz-Huppert joined Senator-ele… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/bipartisan-senators-call-on-pres-elect-trump-to-stand-against-russian-aggression-support-nato-ukrainian-sovereignty | Bipartisan Senators Call On Pres.-Elect Trump To Stand Against Russian Aggression, Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty | 2016-12-08 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.08.16 Bipartisan Senators Call On Pres.-Elect Trump To Stand Against Russian Aggression, Support NATO, Ukrainian Sovereignty Call for increased political, economic, and military support for Ukraine WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Rob Portman (R-OH) and Dick Durbin (D-IL), co-chairs of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, today led a bipartisan group of 27 senators to call on President-elect Donald Trump to continue America’s tradition of support for the people of Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. “In light of Russia’s continued aggression and repeated refusal to respect Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereign right to choose its own destiny, we also renew our call for the United States to increase political, economic, and military support for Ukraine,” the senators wrote. “This includes defensive lethal assistance as part of a broader effort to help Ukrainians better defend themselves, deter future aggression, and implement key structural reforms. Similarly, we believe that Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea should never be accepted, nor should we lift sanctions imposed on Russia for its behavior in eastern Ukraine until key provisions of the Minsk Agreement are met. Accordingly, U.S. leadership on maintaining such transatlantic sanctions should remain a priority.” Full text of the senators’ letter: December 8, 2016 President-elect Donald J. Trump Trump-Pence Transition Team 1717 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20006 Dear President-elect Trump, As Members and friends of the Senate Ukraine Caucus, advocates for a strong US-Ukrainian relationship, and backers of NATO, we write to convey strong, bipartisan support for Ukraine in the United States Senate. We look forward to working with you and your new administration to support our ally Ukraine and help it secure a peaceful and democratic future. Almost three years after Russia’s illegal annexation of Crimea and military aggr… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-foster-d-il-responds-to-reported-nomination-of-epa-head | Statement: Congressman Foster (D-IL) Responds to Reported Nomination of EPA Head | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | legacy | This reported nomination is just another example of the Republican Party’s difficult relationship with science. As the only PhD scientist in Congress, I am deeply concerned at the long-term damage this decision will have on our environment. The science is very clear – climate change is real, and human activity is a major contributor. This pick threatens to undo the progress President Obama has made on climate change and protecting our natural resources. Scott Pruitt has a long history of representing the interests of the fossil fuel industry at the expense of the long-term health of our planet and our fellow Americans. The American people deserve leaders who will work for their best interests, not the promotion of special interests. The natural beauty that makes this world so wonderful, the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the livelihoods of our children and grandchildren are all at risk if we fail to remain vigilant to threats to our environment. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/icymi-congresswoman-bustos-elected-critical-role-democratic-party-leadership/ | ICYMI: Congresswoman Bustos Elected to Critical Role in Democratic Party Leadership | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Bustos will have a “Key Voice” in House Democrats’ Effort to Reach Working Families in America’s Heartland WASHINGTON – In case you missed it, Congresswoman Bustos’ election to join Democratic House Leadership as the new Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) has garnered major coverage across our country. Below are several stories about her new role: NBC Chicago: After being elected to a leadership role in the House Democratic Caucus Monday, Rep. Cheri Bustos is primed to shape outreach and communications efforts for a party that suffered a series of pivotal losses in November’s election. Bustos was tapped to co-chair the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee after winning every county in her downstate swing district last month.” … Bustos stressed the importance of continuing to incorporate jobs and the economy into Democratic messaging and outreach, encouraging members of her party to talk about those issues “in a way people understand.” … “I can’t predict exactly what’s going to happen under the Trump Administration, but I do know this, we have to continue talking to working families,” Bustos said. “We have to continue to talk about our solutions, and we’ve got great ones.” Quad-City Times: And as Democrats across the country try to figure out what went wrong on Election Day, one of the questions they’re asking is how to appeal again to rural and small-town voters. It appears Bustos, in particular, will be a key voice on that. Dispatch Argus: On Tuesday, Rep. Bustos said Democrats must talk about what they are doing to make things better for working families. “We’ve got to talk about jobs and the economy,” she said. That includes equal pay for equal work, Rep. Bustos said, and providing tax incentives to companies that keep jobs in the U.S. and denying them to companies that would move them out. NPR Morning Edition: Bustos: “You know, we’ve got to make this about families and working families. That is my family’s background. I come from a long line of farmers. I’m a gra… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/64-democrats-call-president-obama-pardon-dreamers-daca | 64 Democrats Call on President Obama to Pardon DREAMers with DACA | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | Video and Photo Links Below Washington, DC – Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) was joined by more than a dozen of his House Democratic colleagues at a press conference this morning where a new letter to President Obama, signed by 64 Members of Congress, was released. The letter asks President Obama to “exercise your Constitutional authority to provide pardons to young people who are American in every way but on paper.” A presidential pardon for DREAMers with DACA, those brought to the United States as children who signed up for the President’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals initiative, could make it harder for President Donald Trump to deport them and could open up for certain DREAMers a path to legal status under current law. Last month, in response to a similar plea from Rep. Gutiérrez and his two key pro-immigrant allies – Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) – the White House rejected the pardon idea by stating the President could not grant legal status and that pardons are primarily used for criminal violations, not civil violations of immigration law. But the three lawmakers, joined by scores of House colleagues, are pushing back, saying in the new letter: The Constitution specifically does not limit the pardon power to criminal offenses. We ask for the narrow reprieve of a retroactive and prospective pardon of categorical civil immigration violations for a unique group of young immigrants who have placed their trust in both you as their President and us as their lawmakers. To be clear we are not asking you to “create legal status.” In his remarks at the press conference, Rep. Gutiérrez said: We fought our own President for the [DACA] initiative and we fought hard. We have a responsibility to stand with the DREAMers and we feel the President has a responsibility to stand with us and with the DREAMers. The message [to President-elect Donald Trump] is simple, if you come for DREAMers, if you come for immigrant families, if you register Muslims, if you put in motion… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-nomination-scott-pruitt-epa-administrator | Quigley Statement on Nomination of Scott Pruitt for EPA Administrator | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), released the following statement on the announcement that Scott Pruitt, the attorney general of Oklahoma, is President-Elect Trump’s nominee for EPA Administrator: Protecting our land, water, and air is a critical responsibility and our solemn duty to present and future generations. Doing our part to battle the ever-worsening impacts of man-made climate change is vital to ensuring a future where Americans have a place to live, food to eat, and a high standard of living fueled by a robust economy. Given his previous statements rejecting the overwhelming science supporting the fact that climate change is man-made, his record opposing the Obama Administration’s efforts to address the climate crisis, his hostility toward common-sense environmental regulations on the oil and gas industries, as well as his previous ties to those corporations, I have grave reservations about Scott Pruitt’s ability to run the Environmental Protection Agency. EPA is legally required to regulate climate-warming carbon emissions and a variety of other pollutants in order to protect America’s precious natural resources. I hope Mr. Pruitt will have a change of heart and demonstrate that he is willing to take the positive steps needed to usher in a low-carbon, environmentally responsible future and champion smart policies that help seize the opportunities of a clean economy and preserve the health and well-being of all Americans. However, if he chooses to fight environmental protections, ignore the potential of clean energy, and prioritize fossil fuel exploration at the expense of the planet, I stand ready to challenge his actions and hold the EPA accountable to its mission and its responsibilities on behalf of the American people. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-urges-president-obama-protect-dreamers-president-elect-trump-s | Quigley Urges President Obama to Protect DREAMers from President-Elect Trumps Deportation Pledges | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Mike Quigley | Q000023 | quigley.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), joined House Democratic colleagues at a press conference on their joint letter to President Obama asking him to carefully consider a presidential pardon as part of a strategy to protect DREAMers from President-Elect Trump’s deportation pledges. Rep. Quigley has previously hosted immigration action information sessions to help immigrants prepare for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) application periods. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery. “I applauded President Obama when he created the DACA program in 2012. The program represented a crucial first step towards reforming a broken system and providing a reprieve to the people directly impacted by Congress’s failures. “While the program has benefited approximately 750,000 young people, giving them the ability to come out of the shadows; it has also required them to put their trust in the government–submitting detailed personal information about themselves and their families, including fingerprints, addresses, employment records, and more. “We do not yet know what changes the DACA program faces with the new administration. “However, the inflammatory rhetoric we’ve seen from President-elect Trump suggests that he could exploit the information DREAMers have provided to the government, in order to deport these hard-working young people and their families. “By protecting DREAMers with a pardon from civil immigration violations, we can send a clear message to young undocumented immigrants living in fear that President Obama and many members of Congress continue to stand with them during these uncertain times. “America is stronger when we give young immigrants, who have known no other home than the United States, a chance to succeed in the country they love.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399182 | Davis Statement on Health Care Fix for Miners in Next Spending Bill | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released this statement after a provision to protect retired miners' health care benefits was added to the continuing resolution, a bill to fund the federal government. Many retired miners will lose coverage on December 31, 2016 without congressional action. The provision is authorized through April 28, 2017. The House is expected to vote on this bill tomorrow.While I am disappointed that we are not voting on a permanent solution that ensures both health care and pension promises to miners are kept, having this provision in the continuing resolution ensures miners will not lose their health care benefits at the end of the month, said Davis. This gives us time to work with the Trump administration to pass the Coal Health Care and Pension Protection Act, which I believe is the best way to protect miners' hard-earned pensions and health benefits. Problem Pension and health care benefits for retired miners and their families are in jeopardy because the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) 1974 Pension Plan is underfunded. Financial losses in 2008 and EPA overregulation forcing many mines to close have left these funds insolvent. There are currently only 10,000 active workers to support 120,000 retirees. Solution Davis is a cosponsor of the Coal Health Care and Pension Protection Act, a bill to transfer funds from the Abandoned Mine Land (AML) Trust Fund, which contains roughly $400 million set aside to clean up abandoned mines, to address the pension and health care benefits shortfall. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-graham-statement-on-trump-comments-on-dreamers | Durbin, Graham Statement on Trump Comments on DREAMers | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.16 Durbin, Graham Statement on Trump Comments on DREAMers WASHINGTON—U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) released the following statement on comments made to Time magazine by President-elect Donald Trump, who said, “We’re going to work something out that’s going to make people happy and proud. They got brought here at a very young age, they’ve worked here, they’ve gone to school here. Some were good students. Some have wonderful jobs. And they’re in never-never land because they don’t know what’s going to happen.” “We’re encouraged by these comments by President-elect Trump — they present an opportunity to do the right thing for more than 744,000 young people who grew up here. There is bipartisan support for this in the Senate and we will soon have a legislative response ready if needed. They have much to contribute to the country they love.” 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-pays-tribute-to-vice-president-joe-biden-on-senate-floor | Durbin Pays Tribute To Vice President Joe Biden On Senate Floor | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.16 Durbin Pays Tribute To Vice President Joe Biden On Senate Floor WASHINGTON—In a Senate floor speech Wednesday, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) paid tribute to Vice President Joe Biden, with whom he served in the Senate for 12 years: “Mr. Vice President, for more than 40 years you have taken all the strength and wisdom you learned from your family, and all of your own experiences with loss and hardship, and you have used those lessons to give countless millions of people in Chicago, in America, and around the world, reasons to hope and ways to heal. You are a public servant in the best sense of that term,” said Durbin. “You may be leaving public office soon, but I know that you will never leave your calling to help others in every way you can. It’s part of being a Biden. On behalf of a grateful nation and world, I want to say to you – and to Jill and all of your family – thank you for making hope and history rhyme.” Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor are available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition and standard definition. Durbin’s remarks as prepared for delivery are available below: Remarks of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Honoring Vice President Joe Biden December 7, 2016 Mr. Vice President: For eight years, seeing you in that seat has always filled many of us with hope. It almost always meant that something big, something historic, was about to happen-- Seeing you seated in the Senate President’s desk today evokes different emotions for many of us: Regrets that a momentous chapter in America’s history is about to close; Pride at what we have achieved during these last eight years; and most of all, respect and gratitude to you for the essential role you played in those achievements and so many others. The highest praise your old friend Ted Kennedy could give a person in our line of work was to say: “You ha… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-thanks-education-secretary-king-pushes-for-relief-for-corinthian-westwood-and-other-defrauded-students | Durbin Thanks Education Secretary King, Pushes For Relief For Corinthian, Westwood, And Other Defrauded Students | 2016-12-07 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.07.16 Durbin Thanks Education Secretary King, Pushes For Relief For Corinthian, Westwood, And Other Defrauded Students WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with Secretary of Education John B. King, Jr. to thank him for his dedication and service to students at the U.S. Department of Education. They also discussed high-priority issues that still need to be addressed by the Department before the end of the Obama Administration, including student loan debt relief for Corinthian, Westwood, and other defrauded students. “For the past year, I have had the honor of working with Secretary King to bring accountability to a for-profit college industry that once exploited students and fleeced taxpayers with near impunity. With the leadership of President Obama and Secretary King, we’ve made great progress in the effort to give parents and students more information about these schools and to ensure there are consequences when schools are not living up to their promises,” said Durbin. “I encouraged Secretary King to make relief for defrauded students, including those who attended Corinthian and Westwood Colleges, a top priority in the remaining days of this Administration. Providing the relief to which these students are legally entitled is the right thing to do.” A photo of today’s meeting is available here. In February 2011, King was appointed by United States Secretary of Education Arne Duncan to serve on the U.S. Department of Education's Equity and Excellence Commission. In the fall of 2015, when then-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced that he would resign at the end of the year, President Obama announced that King would succeed Duncan. On March 14, 2016, King was approved to be Secretary of Education by the United States Senate after a 49-40 vote. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Articl… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/congresswoman-cheri-bustos-elected-democratic-house-leadership/ | Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Elected to Democratic House Leadership | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Bustos Will Serve as Co-Chair of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee where she will work to Deliver Democrats’ Working Families First Agenda to America’s Heartland WASHINGTON – Late last night, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) was elected by her colleagues in the House Democratic Caucus to join the ranks of leadership. Congresswoman Bustos will serve as one of three Co-Chairs of the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee (DPCC) in the next Congress. In this new leadership role, Congresswoman Bustos will work to improve the Democratic Party’s outreach and communications efforts to underscore the values Democrats are fighting for and hear the frustration that’s being felt in rural communities. “I’m honored the Democratic Caucus has elected me to serve in this new leadership position, and I want to thank my colleagues for their commitment to a thriving 21st Century heartland,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “Over the years, rural America has seen too many small businesses on Main Street board up their windows and too many manufacturing jobs shipped overseas. In many of these communities, there’s a very real sense that they’ve been left behind, and we saw that frustration on Election Day. As a party, Democrats have always believed in a vision for our country that puts working families first, but it’s clear we need to do a better job listening and speaking with hard working men and women to earn their trust. Right now, President-elect Trump and House Republicans are talking about proposals to take health care coverage away from millions of Americans, end Medicare as we know it and allow greed on Wall Street to put the economic security of all Americans at risk. These types of proposals would take our country in the wrong direction and would be devastating to our communities. As we head into 2017, we will be drawing a clear contrast between Washington Republican’s billionaires-first platform and the working families-first agenda Democrats are fighting for each and every day.” First elected to a lar… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/two-state-solution-still-path-peace-middle-east | Two State Solution Is Still The Path To Peace In The Middle East | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) spoke this morning on the floor of the House of Representatives about Middle East policy, Israel’s turn to hardline policies, and the jeopardy this poses for the “two state solution,” a path towards a Palestinian and Israeli state coexisting. Rep. Gutiérrez said:Comparing Netanyahu’s leadership to that of a “strongman,” Rep. Gutiérrez cited moves in the Israeli Knesset to legalize settlements in the West Bank, destroy Palestinian homes, and restrict the Muslim call to prayer in Jerusalem as examples of recent actions, saying “strongman politics in Israel have the impact of making a long-lasting solution that brings peace to the Middle East harder to achieve.” The full text of the speech (as prepared for delivery) is below.Rep. Gutiérrez represents the Fourth District of Illinois, is a Member of the Judiciary Committee and is the Co-Chair of the Immigration Task Force of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned about what is going on in Israel and I think it has implications both for U.S. foreign policy and for domestic policy and for our great ally, Israel. As the right-wing government of Benjamin Netanyahu consolidates power and becomes in many ways the one-party rulers of Israel, a number of things are changing that should be of concern to all Americans. Specifically, the increasing dominance of the Likud Party as the one-party in Israel jeopardizes the two state solution that I and many others in the United States and Israel feel is the only way to achieve long-term peace in the Middle East. There is a retrenchment of hard line policies – aimed at solidifying alliances with smaller religious and hardline parties that keeps Likud in power -- that will make it harder for Israelis and their allies in America – and anyone who seeks a lasting peace – to maintain progress towards a two state solution. Right now, the Knesset is considering legislation to legalize all Israeli settlements in Palestinian territory on the West Bank, even those… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/democratic-senators-urge-education-department-to-protect-students-and-taxpayers-should-for-profit-accreditor-lose-federal-recognition | Democratic Senators Urge Education Department To Protect Students And Taxpayers Should For-Profit Accreditor Lose Federal Recognition | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.16 Democratic Senators Urge Education Department To Protect Students And Taxpayers Should For-Profit Accreditor Lose Federal Recognition Senators have been leading critics of deadbeat ACICS which accredited now defunct Corinthian, ITT Tech, and Westwood Colleges WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) today called on the U.S. Department of Education (ED) to take steps to protect students and taxpayers in the event that the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), currently the nation’s largest accreditor of for-profit colleges, loses federal recognition. ACICS losing federal recognition would require the approximately 250 schools currently accredited by ACICS to receive new accreditation from a federally recognized accreditor in order to remain eligible for Title IV federal student aid. “It is likely some of these schools may not seek or may not receive new federally-recognized accreditation, leading to eventual loss of Title IV eligibility and potential closure, which could leave thousands of remaining students in the lurch,” wrote the senators in a letter to Under Secretary of Education Ted Mitchell. “Also concerning is the potential for some former ACICS-accredited institutions, while provisionally certified, to attempt to amass as much federal student aid funding as possible to pad the pockets of executives and shareholders without any possibility or intention of continuing once the provisional period has expired.” In September, the Department made a decision to withdraw federal recognition from ACICS following a recommendation from the independent National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity. That decision is now pending appeal to the Secretary. In the letter, the senators outlined steps the Department can take using its current authority to prot… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-protecting-dreamers-is-the-right-thing-to-do | Durbin: protecting dreamers is the right thing to do | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.16 Durbin: protecting dreamers is the right thing to do Continues to Tell the Stories of Undocumented Youth in America WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today returned to floor of the U.S. Senate to share the story of Chicago lawyer Laura Alvarado, another young undocumented immigrant at risk of deportation if President-elect Donald Trump discontinues the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He also called on his Senate colleagues to work in a bipartisan manner to keep DREAMers from being deported to countries where they haven’t lived since childhood. Last week, Durbin announced that he is working with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to craft a potential legislative solution that would provide a temporary legal status to these young immigrants while Congress works on legislation to fix our broken immigration system. “Now the choice is up to Congress. Are we going to step in and give Laura the chance that she asks for, to prove herself again as she has so many times in her young life? I’m glad to say that Lindsey Graham, the senator from South Carolina, and I are joining in an effort to draw up legislation to achieve that goal and at least to give those eligible for DACA a temporary reprieve so if there is elimination of this executive action, we don't eliminate the protection that keeps them here in the United States, where they cannot be deported, and they have a chance to work. That’s something we need to do not just for Laura, but for 744,000 others as well, young people who grew up in this country and just deserve a chance to make this a better nation,” said Durbin. Video of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor are available here. Audio of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available here. Footage of Durbin’s remarks on the Senate floor is available for TV Stations using FTP in high definition and standard definition. Senator Durbin has been a leadi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-education-department-decision-to-end-federal-student-aid-for-two-more-acics-accredited-schools | Durbin Statement On Education Department Decision To End Federal Student Aid For Two More ACICS-Accredited Schools | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.16 Durbin Statement On Education Department Decision To End Federal Student Aid For Two More ACICS-Accredited Schools WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced it would terminate the participation of Globe University and Minnesota School of Business in the Title IV federal student loan program. The announcement comes after a Minnesota judge ruled in September that the for-profit colleges defrauded and misled students. “It’s no surprise that Globe University and Minnesota School of Business, found guilty in Minnesota court of deceptive practices, were both accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools – the same deadbeat accreditor that accredited the now-defunct Corinthian, ITT Tech, and Westwood Colleges,” said Durbin. “Today’s decision by the Department of Education to withdraw Title IV eligibility from these schools shows that even in the waning days of this Administration the commitment to protecting students and taxpayers remains strong. I call on Secretary King to provide automatic federal student loan discharges to Globe and Minnesota School of Business students on the basis of the court’s findings.” In 2014, Globe and Minnesota School of Business each received over $25 million in financial aid dollars from the federal government. Today, Senator Durbin joined Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) in calling on the Department of Education to take steps to protect students and taxpayers in the event that the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS) loses federal recognition. ACICS losing federal recognition would require the approximately 250 schools currently accredited by ACICS to receive new accreditation from a federally recognized accreditor in order to remain eligible for Title IV federal student aid. In September, the Department made a decision to withdraw fed… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-thanks-attorney-general-lynch-discusses-need-for-action-on-high-priority-issues | Durbin Thanks Attorney General Lynch, Discusses Need For Action On High-Priority Issues | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.16 Durbin Thanks Attorney General Lynch, Discusses Need For Action On High-Priority Issues WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch to thank her for her dedication and service in the Department of Justice. They also discussed high-priority issues that still need to be addressed by Congress and the Department of Justice, like reforms to federal sentencing law. “I want to thank Loretta Lynch for her outstanding service as our nation’s 83rd Attorney General. She has been a dedicated advocate for the civil and constitutional rights of all Americans,” said Durbin. “I have appreciated working with her on many issues important to Illinois, including reforming our criminal justice and prison systems and combating the scourges of gun violence, opioid abuse, and hate crimes. She broke down barriers as America’s first African-American woman to lead the Department of Justice, serving as an inspiration to young people across the country of all backgrounds.” On November 8, 2014, President Obama nominated Lynch to succeed Eric Holder as U.S. Attorney General. On April 23, 2015, Lynch was confirmed by the Senate by a 56–43 vote, making her the second African-American, the second woman, and the first African-American woman to be confirmed for the position. 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-thanks-transportation-secretary-pushes-for-critical-illinois-priorities | Durbin Thanks Transportation Secretary, Pushes For Critical Illinois Priorities | 2016-12-06 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.06.16 Durbin Thanks Transportation Secretary, Pushes For Critical Illinois Priorities WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today called United States Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx to thank him for his dedication and service in leading the Department of Transportation (DOT). They also discussed the need for DOT to fund priority Illinois projects as the Obama Administration draws to a close, including a full funding agreement for the Chicago Transit Authority’s (CTA) Red and Purple Modernization Program, FASTLANE grants, Chicago Union Station Emerging Projects Agreement (EmPA), and more. “Secretary Foxx’s previous job as the Mayor of Charlotte gave him personal experience and an understanding of the importance of federal transportation funding to local communities,” said Durbin. “He was instrumental in securing the bipartisan, five-year highway and transit reauthorization bill last year, which will allow our communities to make significant, long term investments in our national infrastructure. Illinois’ neighborhoods are at the heart of our national transportation network, and it has been an honor to work with Secretary Foxx on many of our local transportation projects.” President Obama nominated Foxx to be the Secretary of Transportation in April 2013, and he was confirmed by a 100-0 vote in June 2013. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/congresswoman-cheri-bustos-announces-internship-opportunities-illinois-offices/ | Congresswoman Cheri Bustos Announces Internship Opportunities in Illinois Offices | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | ROCK ISLAND – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos announced that she is accepting internship applications for her offices in Rock Island, Peoria and Rockford. “Internships are an invaluable opportunity for young people from our community to learn more about the work we do on behalf of families across Illinois’ 17th Congressional District,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “It’s also a chance to give back to our region and to become involved in public service. I encourage all those interested to apply for an internship in one of my offices today.” Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to Lucie.VanHecke@mail.house.gov with “Intern Application” in the subject line. Admissions to the internship program are rolling. More information on Bustos’ internship program can be found HERE. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/106-members-congress-call-obama-protect-immigrants-private-data | 106 Members of Congress Call on Obama to Protect Immigrants Private Data | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, 106 Members of Congress sent a letter to President Obama requesting that he take action to protect the names and private information of those who enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) programs. The letter, led by Reps. Judy Chu (CA-27), Zoe Lofgren (CA-29), Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-40), Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), and Luis Gutierrez (IL-04), specifically suggests an Executive Order that would prohibit the use of DACA enrollees’ information for purposes other than originally intended, including for purposes of deportation. The letter was endorsed by National Immigration Law Center (NILC), the Coalition for Humane Immigration Rights of Los Angeles (CHIRLA), and Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC). The authors of the letter released the following statements: “When the government offered protection to immigrants if they worked hard, laid roots, went to school, and followed the laws, thousands acted on trust. Now that they’ve handed us names, addresses, birth certificates, and biometric information, we have to honor that trust,” said Rep. Judy Chu. “Further, President-elect Trump has said that his priority is to deport those who are a danger to our country. By qualifying for DACA or DAPA, these immigrants are by definition not a threat to our country, but rather assets. I urge President Obama to take immediate executive action to protect these Dreamers before he leaves office.” “The President, along with many Democratic Members of Congress, urged these young immigrants to come out of the shadows, and to register with the government on the premise that they may live without fear of deportation,” said Rep. Lofgren. “Now, with that assurance shattered, those of us who urged for and help implement the DACA program have a moral responsibility to do what we can to protect these young people from deportation under a Trump administration.” “To misuse personal DACA information to tear away young men… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressman-darin-lahood-hits-milestone-constituent-service-cases | Congressman Darin LaHood Hits Milestone for Constituent Service Cases | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Peoria, IL—Congressman Darin LaHood recently passed a constituent casework milestone, completing 1,500 requests for assistance from individuals in the 18th District. As of today, 1,504 cases have been closed. Over the past year, constituents from across Central and West-Central Illinois have contacted LaHood for assistance pertaining to federal issues in numerous areas, including veterans’ affairs, IRS issues, passports, Social Security, and Medicare. “My focus, each and every day, is providing the people of the 18th District with strong constituent service. That’s accomplished by ensuring the best service to the citizens of this District who need help navigating the federal bureaucracies,” said Rep. Darin LaHood. “This position is about helping people and my hope is that this milestone is a reminder that my offices can be a resource to any individuals seeking assistance at the federal level.” LaHood currently has four district offices, located in Peoria, Springfield, Jacksonville, and most recently in Bloomington. Constituent Service Representatives regularly hold mobile office hours each month at various locations across the district’s 19 counties to meet one-on-one with constituents and review current cases or open new cases. LaHood’s office information is listed below: Peoria 100 NE Monroe St, Rm. 100, Peoria, IL 61602 (309) 671-7027Springfield 235 S Sixth St, Springfield, IL 62701 (217) 670-1653Jacksonville 201 W. Morgan St, Jacksonville, IL 62650 (217) 245-1431Bloomington 3004 G.E. Road, Suite 1B, Bloomington, IL 61704 (309) 205-9556 | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3141 | Lipinski Reacts to USDOT Approval of Norwegian Air Scheme That Will Destroy American Jobs | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) approved Norwegian Air International's (NAI) petition to operate long-haul flights to the U.S.: “The DOT’s decision puts domestic airlines at a competitive disadvantage and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of American workers. NAI’s flag-of-convenience business model undermines international labor standards and fair competition. Despite the Norwegian name, NAI seeks to operate aircraft registered in Ireland by crews working under Singaporean employment contracts. “Since 2014, I have been working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to oppose NAI’s petition. This approval is not in the public’s best interest and could result in serious consequences for the American airline industry and its employees. I strongly urge President-elect Trump to stand with the hard-working men and women that are the foundation of American aviation and reopen the DOT’s decision as one of his first actions in office.” | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-statement-on-21st-century-cures-vote | Durbin Statement On 21st Century Cures Vote | 2016-12-05 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.05.16 Durbin Statement On 21st Century Cures Vote WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) issued the following statement after the Senate voted 85-13 to advance the 21st Century Cures Act. This bill represents the promise of an investment we should be making—a down payment in the future for medical research. Its success depends on the support of Republican majorities in the years to come. However, we cannot overlook the fact that this bill is paid for in large part by cuts in the Prevention Fund—money we currently use for reducing the prevalence of diseases such as diabetes and lung cancer. Reducing prevention efforts invites more disease, suffering, and death. This legislative “bargain” is hard to explain or understand, but at least the prevention funds are being dedicated to medical research. This bill also includes legislation I added to expand treatment for mental health and counseling services on college campuses and launch an awareness campaign to reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. Print Email Tweet Previous Article Next Article | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://foster.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/press-release-foster-takano-introduce-resolution-to-establish-national | Press Release: Foster, Takano Introduce Resolution to Establish National 3D Printing Day | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bill Foster | F000454 | foster.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced a House resolution to designate December 3rd as National 3D Printing Day. In addition, the resolution would recognize the positive economic impact of 3D printing in the United States and encourage the promotion and celebration of 3D printing technology. “Advancements in 3D printing technology provide a vital opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to compete in the modern economy and bring new products to life,” Foster said. “From bio-technology, to food production, to advanced manufacturing, the 3D printing industry continues to grow in communities across this country, and the possibilities for innovation could be endless.” “What used to be only available to universities and large corporations is now in our libraries, schools, and homes,” Takano said. “Hobbyists and professionals alike are printing everything from airplane parts to cheap prosthetics, and the potential for 3D printing has only grown as more people gain access to the technology. 3D Printing Day is a time to celebrate how far the technology has come and imagine what we’ll be able to use it for in the future.” By enabling rapid production of innovative products, 3D printing has the potential to create thousands of new businesses and jobs in the U.S. and give domestic companies an edge in global markets. The Department of Energy estimates that 3D printing could save 50% on energy costs compared to more traditional manufacturing processes. Text of the resolution is available here. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-applauds-passage-energy-bill-save-thousands-illinois-jobs-1-2-billion-annual-economic-activity/ | Bustos applauds passage of Energy Bill to save thousands of Illinois Jobs and $1.2 billion in annual economic activity | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Bustos led bipartisan letter urging leaders in Springfield to protect Illinois jobs and help break our addiction to foreign fossil fuels WASHINGTON – Today Congresswoman Cheri Bustos applauded the Illinois State legislature for working together to pass an energy bill that will keep Exelon’s plants in the Quad-Cities and Clinton open for business. According to a January 2015 study from the Illinois Commerce Commission, losing these plants would have cost Illinois thousands of jobs and more than $1.2 billion in annual economic activity. Because of the damage this would have on Illinois’ economy, Bustos led a bipartisan Illinois delegation letter to Governor Rauner and leaders in the State legislature urging them to work out their differences and protect good-paying jobs by investing in non-carbon energy. “Like a lot of Illinoisans, I’ve been disheartened by the dysfunction in Springfield, but I think they deserve to be recognized when they do the right thing,” said Congresswoman Cheri Bustos. “By coming together to pass a compromise energy bill that will protect thousands of good-paying Illinois jobs, continue the production of non-carbon energy and help break our addiction to foreign fossil fuels, we’re building a better future for all of our families.” ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://bustos.house.gov/bustos-duckworth-loebsack-applaud-passage-national-defense-authorization-act/ | Bustos, Duckworth and Loebsack Applaud Passage of the National Defense Authorization Act | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Cheri Bustos | B001286 | bustos.house.gov | legacy | Lawmakers Worked Together to Include Bipartisan Provisions to Strengthen the Rock Island Arsenal WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17), Senator-Elect Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) voted in favor and applauded the passage of the Fiscal Year 2017 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This was the final House passage of the bill, which will now go to the Senate for approval before the President can sign it into law. Representatives Bustos and Loebsack worked with Duckworth, who led this successful effort through the House Armed Services Committee, to include several provisions that will help ensure the long-term success of the Rock Island Arsenal and the more than 6,000 hard working men and women who work on Arsenal Island. “As one of the largest employers in our region, the Rock Island Arsenal is the economic engine that drives our community’s success, and I’m incredibly pleased that Congress was able to come together to pass this bipartisan legislation to strengthen the Arsenal for years to come,” Congresswoman Bustos said. “I’d like to thank Congressman Loebsack for his dedicated partnership working to strengthen the Quad-Cities community and Congresswoman Duckworth for her work on the Armed Services Committee to include language benefiting the Arsenal in this year’s national defense authorization. This bill will support Rockford’s defense industry, Peoria’s Air National Guard base and the more than 6,000 hard working men and women on Arsenal Island. By passing today’s defense authorization, we’re strengthening our national security and helping to ensure a brighter future for all of our communities.” “Congress should do whatever it can to keep our nation safe and create jobs, especially manufacturing jobs, so working with Representatives Bustos and Loebsack to help the Rock Island Arsenal is always an easy decision,” said Duckworth. “American workers have the talent, skill and capability to produce high-quality goods at facilities like the Rock Island Arsenal. As the… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399460 | House Passes National Defense Authorization Act | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | Today, the House voted on final passage for the National Defense Authorization Act. With a tradition of strong bipartisan support, this annual legislation funds our military, protects the homeland, and supports our troops. Following this vote, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement: share: f t Washington, DC Today, the House voted on final passage for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). With a tradition of strong bipartisan support, this annual legislation funds our military, protects the homeland, and supports our troops. Following this vote, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement: It is critically important that we fund our military and support the men and women who protect us here at home. The FY 2017 NDAA passed the House with strong support, continuing a 55 year tradition of bipartisan work on behalf of our troops. Included in the NDAA budget is language from the bicameral 'Countering Disinformation and Propaganda Act' - legislation I developed with Congressman Ted Lieu (CA) to help America's allies counter government propaganda from nations like Russia, China, and others. This legislation will streamline our counter-propaganda efforts by creating a new Global Engagement Center, and will reaffirm our commitment to empowering our allies against foreign manipulation. Supporting our troops is paramount to our national security, but we must also be sure to keep our promises to those that made sacrifices to serve and assist the United States military overseas. Section 1214 of the NDAA extends the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) program for four years and permits 1500 additional visas. These Afghan men and women who would be eligible for these visas risked their lives, and the safety of their families, to serve and help the United States. We cannot leave them behind, and we cannot go back on our word. Senator John McCain (AZ), Congressman Earl Blumenauer (OR), and I have been very outspoken… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-darin-lahood-votes-rebuild-military-provide-largest-pay-raise | Rep. Darin LaHood Votes to Rebuild Military, Provide Largest Pay Raise to Troops in Six Years | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C.—Today, Congressman Darin LaHood voted for the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for FY2017. The bill, which funds the Department of Defense, rebuilds our military, and ensures our troops have the tools necessary to carry out missions, passed with a bipartisan vote of 375-34. “This is about our national security and supporting those who protect it. This bill will ensure that our military has the resources they need to protect themselves and those at home. Additionally, thanks to this bill, our troops—who serve and sacrifice for the sake of our freedoms—will be receiving the largest pay increase in six years,” stated Rep. LaHood. “The decades of support for this annual bill show that we all have a mutual duty and desire to support our troops and their efforts to keep Americans safe at home and abroad.” The annual defense authorization fulfills Congress’ Constitutional responsibility to “provide for the common defense.” Among many measures, FY17 NDAA authorizes $619 billion for the national defense, improves access to health care for our troops and their families, prohibits the transfer of detainees at Guantanamo Bay to the U.S., and provides resources to combat Islamic extremists. Funding also targets core defense requirements and military readiness with support for increased personnel, training, maintenance, and procurement. Congressman Darin LaHood proudly serves the constituents of Illinois’ 18th Congressional District, consisting of more than 710,000 constituents across 19 counties throughout Central and West-Central Illinois. Darin was born and raised in Central Illinois and currently resides in the Peoria area with his wife, Kristen, and their three children. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399179 | Davis Statement on Passage of State Energy Bill | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | Davis Statement on Passage of State Energy Bill f t # e Springfield, IL, December 2, 2016 U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released the following statement after the Illinois state legislature passed an energy bill to help Exelon's nuclear plants: I commend Governor Rauner and state legislators, including Chapin Rose and Bill Mitchell, for working together to pass an energy bill that will help keep DeWitt County's largest employer open for business, said Davis. Clinton Power Station is responsible for thousands of good-paying jobs and economic benefits that will stay in this community because of this legislation. This gives us ten years to develop better policies to ensure base load power stations, like Clinton, remain an integral part of our energy grid. Davis and other members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation sent a letter back in May urging state action. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399180 | Bill to Fund Cancer Moonshot, Accelerate Medical Treatments, & Reform Mental Health Passes House | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) today released this statement after the House passed the House-Senate compromise for the 21st Century Cures Act, which includes funding for the Cancer Moonshot,' accelerates development of life-saving and life-improving medical treatments, and includes major mental health reform legislation the House passed in September.The 21st Century Cures Act includes funding for the Cancer Moonshot' initiative to that Davis has worked to pass. Today, it takes an average of 15 years to move a drug from the lab to our local pharmacies, said Davis. And like too many of my constituents, my family has been impacted by illness, both successful and unsuccessful battles with cancer, so if we can speed up this process by even just one year by cutting through bureaucratic red tape, we must do so. Curing cancer must be our next mission to the moon and this legislation helps us get one step closer. Additionally, this legislation includes major mental health reform legislation passed by the House earlier this year. H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act, which was written by the only clinical psychologist serving in Congress, represents the first significant changes our mental health system in more than a decade. The Washington Post has called this bill a remarkable achievement' to reforming our nation's mental health system. Whether it's another mass killing or another suicide, which is now the second leading cause of death for adolescents and young adults, we're reminded each time that our country is facing a mental health crisis that we cannot afford to ignore, said Davis. We are pouring billions of dollars every year into a system that is broken and failing to help those who need it. This bipartisan legislation changes the way we treat mental illness in this country and will help those suffering get the care they need before it's too late. The bill takes steps to prevent our jails from being the de facto holding facilities for the mentally ill, coordinate more than 112 existing f… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://roskam.house.gov/Roskam-Deutch-Campus-Anti-Semitism | Roskam, Deutch Target Campus Anti-Semitism | 2016-12-02 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Peter Roskam | R000580 | roskam.house.gov | legacy | Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representatives Peter J. Roskam (R-IL) and Ted Deutch (D-FL) introduced bipartisan legislation to combat the rising tide of anti-Semitism at our nation’s college campuses. The Anti-Semitism Awareness Act broadens the Department of Education’s (DOE) criteria to include all forms of discrimination against Jews, including extreme anti-Zionism and anti-Israel harassment. This legislation will equip the DOE to accurately identify, investigate, and punish all forms of Jew-hatred. Anti-Semitic attacks on college campuses have nearly doubled in recent years according to recent reports. Although the DOE’s Office for Civil Rights has actively combatted these incidents, the Department lacks firm statutory guidance on how to define anti-Semitism. By codifying the definition of anti-Semitism adopted by the U.S. State Department’s Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism, this legislation will enable the DOE to protect students from the most insidious and modern forms of anti-Semitism, which are often masked as anti-Zionism. Per the State Department’s definition of anti-Semitism, shared by the European Parliament Working Group, "[a]nti-Semitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of anti-Semitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities." Examples of anti-Semitism under this definition include the following: Calling for, aiding, or justifying the killing or harming of Jews Making mendacious, dehumanizing, demonizing, or stereotypical allegations about Jews as such or the power of Jews as a collective. Accusing the Jews as a people, or Israel as a state, of inventing or exaggerating the Holocaust. Accusing Jewish citizens of being more loyal to Israel, or to the alleged priorities of Jews worldwide, than to the interest of their own nations. The State Department’s definition also defines the three “Ds,” whic… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://rush.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rush-votes-yes-on-hr-34-the-21st-century-cures-act | Rush Votes YES on H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Bobby Rush | R000515 | rush.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON — U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy and Power voted in favor of H.R. 34, the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill seeks to prevent and cure disease and improve health for all Americans. The 21st Century Cures Act also requires that public, private and research institutions around the country takes bold action to accelerate the discovery, development, and delivery of promising new treatments and cures for patients and to maintain our nation’s standing as the biomedical innovation capital of the world. H.R. 34, also includes a provision sponsored by Rush that will improve minority inclusion in clinical trials. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), of the 10,000 known diseases, 7,000 of which are considered rare, there are treatments for only 500. Yet, there are many diseases affecting minority communities that often fall by the wayside because minorities are underrepresented in clinical trials. Rush introduced five provisions for adoption into the Energy & Commerce Committee’s 21st Century Cures bill that sought minority inclusion in clinical trials. Two of Rush’s amendments were adopted into the full bill which will boost the biomedical workforce in in unrepresented communities to address ending health disparities among minority populations and improve outcomes in maternity health. The first provision will require the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities to include within its strategic plan for biomedical research ways to increase representation of underrepresented communities in clinical trials. The second provision will ensure that it remains a priority at NIH that the biomedical workforce of the future includes groups from traditionally underrepresented communities. “Research professionals tend to work toward solutions to diseases that they have a personal connection with,” said Rush. “That enforces the need for minority participation in order to foster research that gets … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://gutierrez.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/50-dems-call-obama-dismantle-discriminatory-special-registration-system | 50+ Dems call on Obama to dismantle discriminatory NSEERS "special registration" system | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Luis Gutiérrez | G000535 | gutierrez.house.gov | legacy | Note: Rep. Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL) and several other senior Democratic Members led an effort to gather 51 House Democrats on a letter to President Obama asking him to dismantle the NSEERS system, a system crafted by Kris Kobach and used by the Bush Administration to call in and register immigrant men from certain countries. “Eliminating the regulatory framework for this awful program will make it harder for the new President to begin similar roundups based on national origin or religion,” Rep. Gutiérrez said, a Member of the House Judiciary Committee and the Co-Chair of the Task Force on Immigration of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The press release with the text of the letter is below. OVER 50 HOUSE DEMOCRATS CALL ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION TO COMPLETELY DISMANTLE DISCRIMINATORY NSEERS REGISTRATION SYSTEM BEFORE NEW ADMINISTRATION BEGINS Washington, DC – In the wake of reports about the Trump Administration’s plans to create a special registration program for Muslims, House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Subcommittee on Immigration and Border Security Ranking Member Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) and Representatives Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA) and Keith Ellison (D-MN) today led over 50 House Democrats in calling for President Barack Obama to completely dismantle the regulatory framework behind the discriminatory National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) before his administration ends. The Obama Administration effectively ended the program in 2011; however, the apparatus remains. House Democrats are calling for the NSEERS regulatory framework to be eliminated. The letter was signed by Representatives John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Keith Ellison (D-MN), Luis V. Gutiérrez (D-IL), Judy Chu (D-CA), Beto O’Rourke (D-TX), Grace Meng (D-NY), Gwen Moore (D-WI), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Norma J. Torres (D-CA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Allen Lowenthal (D-CA), James A Himes (D-CT), Xavier Becerra (D-CA), Anna G. Eshoo (D-CA), José E. Serrano (D-NY), Mike Quigle… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lahood.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/house-passes-bill-advance-cures-rare-diseases-lahood-support | House Passes Bill to Advance Cures for Rare Diseases with LaHood Support | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Republican | House | IL | Darin LaHood | L000585 | lahood.house.gov | legacy | WASHINGTON, DC — This week, Rep. LaHood voted for the 21st Century Cures Act, legislation to accelerate the development of life-saving cures and treatments for patients suffering from terminal diseases. This bill modernizes health care infrastructure by supporting research and innovation that can lead to new medication development, streamlining the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory process, and improving the review of medical devices while maintaining safety standards. “Disease runs in every family, and we only have cures for 500 of the 10,000 known diseases people are suffering from. Scientific advancement has the potential to save lives—but red tape blocks the way and stifles innovation. We need to streamline the federal regulatory process and target funding towards research focused on expediting the discovery, development, and delivery of more treatments and cures,” stated Rep. LaHood. “This bill also includes priorities for our district. It continues funding for the fight against heroin and opioid abuse, and includes key reforms of our mental health system in America—such as strengthening the mental health workforce and coordinating mental health programs. I hear constantly from constituents whose loved ones are suffering and even dying from diseases without treatment or a cure. This bill is for them. It’s a huge step towards relief and hope for patients and their families across America.” The 21st Century Cures Act allocates $4.8 billion in fully offset funding to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for research and development, $500 million to the FDA for regulatory modernization to get drugs and medical devices to patients who need them more quickly, and $1 billion for grants to states to supplement the fight against heroin and opioid abuse through expanded treatment and prevention programs. It passed the House by a vote of 392-26. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3134 | Lipinski Helps Pass Life-Saving 21st Century Cures Act | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) joined with colleagues from both sides of the aisle last night to pass the 21st Century Cures Act. The bill will boost funding for biomedical research, and streamline and update the approval process for medical innovations, improving the quality of life for many Americans. “This legislation will help speed the development and delivery of life-saving cures,” said Rep. Lipinski. “It provides a critical infusion of resources for medical research, as I have long advocated for. While not compromising patient safety, it will speed up the process by which medications and medical devices are approved in order to get new treatments to patients faster. While this bill is not perfect, I am glad the House could come together to get legislation passed that will improve the lives of so many people.” Highlights from the bill include: · Special National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) innovation accounts to support special biomedical research projects and streamlined approval for new drugs and medical devices. NIH would receive $4.8 billion over 10 years, while the FDA would receive $500 million. These funds would support important priorities set out by the current administration, including research on personalized medicine and Vice President Biden’s “Cancer Moonshot” initiative. · The formal reauthorization of the NIH through FY2020. The reauthorization requires the NIH to support prize competitions to promote biomedical research for serious health conditions, improve transparency by allowing the NIH Director to require grant recipients to share data generated from NIH-funded research, and focus on supporting young emerging scientists. In addition, a new pediatric research network will help pool resources and improve coordination for efforts related to pediatric rare diseases and birth defects. · New efforts to streamline FDA reviews. Breakthrough medical devices will now receive priority review. The rare pedia… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-pays-tribute-to-us-senator-mark-kirk-on-senate-floor | Durbin Pays Tribute To U.S. Senator Mark Kirk On Senate Floor | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.16 Durbin Pays Tribute To U.S. Senator Mark Kirk On Senate Floor WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) paid tribute today to U.S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-IL), on the United States Senate Floor: “For the last six years, Senator Mark Kirk and I have had a very positive and professional relationship. I thank him for his service to our state, the service he’s given our nation as an officer in the Navy Reserve, for the years that he put in as a staff member to Congressman John Porter, for the work that he did in the House of Representatives representing the 10th Congressional District, and for his term here in the United States Senate,” said Durbin. “It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve with him despite our political differences. I count him as a friend, as an ally, and a true champion for the state of Illinois. I wish my colleague Mark Kirk the very best in his future endeavors.” Video of Durbin’s remarks is available here. Durbin’s remarks as prepared for delivery are available below: Remarks of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Honoring U.S. Senator Mark Kirk December 1, 2016 For the last six years, Mark and I have had a close personal and working relationship. We didn’t always agree on the issues, but there is a mutual respect for each other—a respect that is often lacking in our politics today. In 1985, my mentor—Senator Paul Simon—launched the Illinois Hospitality Breakfast series. For one hour, every Thursday morning the Senate’s in session, Senator Simon invited his constituents visiting Washington, D.C., for coffee and a conversation. And there’s only one rule. If you want to make a speech, you have to run for office. A rule that Mark quickly reminds me to share with the audience when I forget. Today, we simply call it constituent coffee. And in 2011, when Mark was sworn into the Senate, despite party differences, we kept the tradition alive. But this should come as no surprise to anyone who knows Mark. After all, one of his legacies will s… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-pushes-to-protect-dreamers-from-deportation | Durbin Pushes to Protect DREAMers from Deportation | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.16 Durbin Pushes to Protect DREAMers from Deportation Begins to Craft Bipartisan Legislation to Shield DREAMers until Congress Passes Immigration Reform WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today continued his push to ensure that the young immigrants known as DREAMers remain shielded from deportation under a Trump Administration. Every day this week, Durbin has gone to the floor of the United States Senate and shared the stories of DREAMers at risk of deportation if the President-elect does not continue President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Durbin also announced that he is working with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to craft a potential legislative solution that would provide a temporary stay of deportation for young immigrants while Congress works on legislation to fix our broken immigration system. “My concern and the concern shared by millions across America is what is going to happen to these young kids – 744,000 of them who are currently in college, in high school, currently in professional schools, medical schools, and law schools. They're doing amazing things with their lives and yet things can happen immediately that change their status,” said Durbin. “I’ve talked to a number of my colleagues on the floor, on both sides of the aisle about this, and there are strong emotions in favor of helping these young people. One of the leaders on this has been my friend and ally on some immigration issues – and that’s Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. He and I talked about introducing legislation that would give a temporary stay so that these young people could be protected until Congress does its work and comes up with an immigration bill that addresses this issue and many more. Senator Graham and I discussed it again this morning, and we hope to even have this bill ready before we leave next week, a bipartisan effort to say to the new president, ‘gi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-pushes-to-protect-dreamers-from-deportation-120116 | Durbin Pushes To Protect DREAMers From Deportation | 2016-12-01 | 2016 | 2016-12 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 12.01.16 Durbin Pushes To Protect DREAMers From Deportation Begins to Craft Bipartisan Legislation to Shield Dreamers until Congress Passes Immigration Reform WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today continued his push to ensure that the young immigrants known as DREAMers remain shielded from deportation under a Trump Administration. Every day this week, Durbin has gone to the floor of the United States Senate and shared the stories of DREAMers at risk of deportation if the President-elect does not continue President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Durbin also announced that he is working with Republican Senator Lindsey Graham to craft a potential legislative solution that would provide a temporary stay of deportation for young immigrants while Congress works on legislation to fix our broken immigration system. “My concern and the concern shared by millions across America is what is going to happen to these young kids – 744,000 of them who are currently in college, in high school, currently in professional schools, medical schools, and law schools. They're doing amazing things with their lives and yet things can happen immediately that change their status,” said Durbin. “I’ve talked to a number of my colleagues on the floor, on both sides of the aisle about this, and there are strong emotions in favor of helping these young people. One of the leaders on this has been my friend and ally on some immigration issues – and that’s Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina. He and I talked about introducing legislation that would give a temporary stay so that these young people could be protected until Congress does its work and comes up with an immigration bill that addresses this issue and many more. Senator Graham and I discussed it again this morning, and we hope to even have this bill ready before we leave next week, a bipartisan effort to say to the new president, ‘give t… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| http://hultgren.house.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hultgren-supports-legislation-to-speed-up-life-saving-treatments-and | Hultgren Supports Legislation to Speed Up Life-Saving Treatments and Overhaul Medical Research | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | IL | Randy Hultgren | H001059 | hultgren.house.gov | legacy | Washington, DC — U.S. Representative Randy Hultgren (IL-14) voted in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act, which passed the House today. In addition to an updated bill (which Rep. Hultgren cosponsored and which passed the House earlier this year), the legislation includes the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Reform Act and the Increasing Choice, Access and Quality in Health Care for Americans Act. Click here for a full summary of the fully paid for, fiscally responsible legislation. “21st Century Cures is a monumental step forward for the people I talk to every day who suffer from an illness for which there is no cure or, at best, limited treatment options available,” said Rep. Hultgren. “These men and women need more options and better access to more advanced treatments, and this bill gives them hope by streamlining FDA review of life-saving drugs, modernizing the clinical trial process and investing in our researchers.” The 21st Century Cures Act provides: $4.8 billion in funding for the National Institutes of Health for the Precision Medicine Initiative, brain research and cancer research. $500 million in funding for the Food and Drug Administration to support drug review and get new treatments and medical devices to patients more quickly. $1 billion in grants for the prevention and treatment of opioid abuse. “This legislation represents good government at its best. All new spending on research will be fully paid for, allowing Congress to invest in science in a sustainable, fiscally responsible way,” said Rep. Hultgren. The legislative package passed today also includes a number of provisions to provide support to families suffering from mental illness and substance abuse, give states flexibility to address these issues with in a more targeted way, and improve care and coverage in and for hospitals, small businesses, rural providers and seniors. ### | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://kinzinger.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399459 | Rep. Kinzinger on Bringing Health Care to the 21st Century | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | IL | Adam Kinzinger | K000378 | kinzinger.house.gov | legacy | Today, the House passed landmark legislation that fosters innovation and provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help researchers change the way we fight disease. After joining his colleagues in voting in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement: share: f t Washington, DC Today, the House passed landmark legislation that fosters innovation and provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help researchers change the way we fight disease. After joining his colleagues in voting in favor of the 21st Century Cures Act, Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) released the following statement: The 21st Century Cures Act is an innovation game-changer for health care in the United States. I'm proud to work on the House Energy and Commerce Committee where Chairman Upton has championed this bill from day one. The Cures Act makes research more collaborative, focuses on the patient, and puts us on a path to finding cures for the thousands of diseases that plague millions here at home and around the world. The bill contains funding for state grants to address the opioid epidemic, funding to focus on brain-related diseases like Alzheimer's and includes legislation to address the country's mental health crisis. I urge my Senate colleagues to act soon to keep the momentum going on this critically important legislation. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the House tonight, and is expected to be voted on in the Senate early next week. Additionally, over 300 outside groups have shared their support for the legislation. A list of these groups can be found on the House Energy and Commerce Committee website here, and featured in the graphic below. | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-cosponsors-resolution-urging-trump-to-comply-with-emoluments-clause | Durbin Cosponsors Resolution Urging Trump To Comply With Emoluments Clause | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.30.16 Durbin Cosponsors Resolution Urging Trump To Comply With Emoluments Clause Calls for Trump to honor promise to sever ties to his businesses WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined Senator Ben Cardin (D-MD) and a group of 22 Senate Democrats in introducing a resolution calling on President-elect Trump to follow the precedent established by previous presidents and convert his assets to simple, conflict-free holdings, adopt blind trusts managed by an independent trustee, or take other equivalent measures in order to ensure compliance with the United States Constitution. The resolution notes that in the absence of such actions by the President-elect before he assumes office or without specific authorization by Congress, Congress will regard dealings by Trump-owned companies with any entity owned by a foreign governmental actor as potential violations of the Constitution’s Emoluments Clause. President-elect Trump has promised to leave his position “in total” but hasn’t offered any specifics and continues to run the Trump Organization less than two months before Inauguration Day. Article I, Section 9, Clause 8 of the U.S. Constitution provides that “no Person holding any Office of Profit or Trust under [the United States], shall, without the Consent of the Congress, accept of any present, Emolument, Office, or Title, of any kind whatever, from any King, Prince, or foreign State.” “I urge President-elect Trump to honor his promise and effectively sever ties with his business empire while he is in office, letting the American people know with certainty that he is putting the United States’ interests before his or that of any foreign government,” said Durbin. “Failing to do so, or taking half measures, like turning over his company to family members without the proper legal framework, will lead to, at best, the appearance of impropriety, and at worst, entanglements that put our country at risk.”Joi… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://www.durbin.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/durbin-meets-with-national-breast-cancer-coalition-president-to-discuss-biomedical-research-funding | Durbin Meets With National Breast Cancer Coalition President To Discuss Biomedical Research Funding | 2016-11-30 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | IL | Richard Durbin | D000563 | www.durbin.senate.gov | legacy | 11.30.16 Durbin Meets With National Breast Cancer Coalition President To Discuss Biomedical Research Funding WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today met with National Breast Cancer Coalition President Fran Visco to discuss efforts to protect and increase funding for innovative, breakthrough research at the Department of Defense – funding that has led to discoveries and treatments for cancer and other diseases. They also talked about Durbin’s American Cures Act, a bill that would increase funding at our nation’s top four biomedical research agencies, as well as the Accelerating the End of Breast Cancer Act of 2015, which would establish the Commission to Accelerate the End of Breast Cancer to help end breast cancer by January 1, 2020. “Three years ago, military researchers at the Army’s Cancer Vaccine Development Program completed a federally funded 10-year study of a vaccine which, in trials, halved the risk that a woman’s breast cancer will return,” said Durbin. “This vaccine is just one example of how federal investment in biomedical research has real consequences for real people. I am proud to meet with Fran Visco and continue my efforts with the National Breast Cancer Coalition in fighting to make sure that biomedical research is prioritized in Washington.” A photo of today’s meeting is available here. The American Cures Act would augment federal appropriations for biomedical research with a mandatory trust fund dedicated to steady growth in research conducted at National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Department of Defense Health Program (DHP), and the Veterans Medical & Prosthetics Research Program. Each year, the bill would increase funding for each agency and program at a rate of GDP-indexed inflation plus five percent. This steady, long-term investment would allow the agencies to plan and manage strategic growth while maximizing efficiencies. Print Email … | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://lipinski.house.gov/index.cfm?sectionid=91&itemid=3129 | Lipinski Announces Support for Ryan | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Democrat | House | IL | Daniel Lipinski | L000563 | lipinski.house.gov | legacy | Congressman Dan Lipinski (IL-3) released the following statement ahead of tomorrow’s House Democrat leadership vote: “House Democrats are at our lowest number since the presidency of Herbert Hoover. That means that more than 98% of Americans have not seen House Democrats with fewer members. This year was supposed be a great opportunity to pick up a significant number of seats - maybe even regain the majority - by focusing the campaign on Republican Presidential nominee Donald Trump. But after another bitterly disappointing election, House Democrats must finally acknowledge that something needs to change if we are once again going to become a majority party in the House of Representatives. “Nancy Pelosi has been a very strong Speaker and Leader for House Democrats. Her drive and determination made it possible for her to make history by becoming the first female Speaker of the House. Although I have not always agreed with her, I have always respected her great ability to rally Democrats together in the chamber. But the Democratic Caucus needs to take an honest look at the last few elections and recognize that the party’s brand does not play well in the House districts we need to pick up to gain the majority. “Too many Americans feel that the Democratic Party no longer prioritizes fighting for hard-working Americans struggling to survive in our country today. Though I do not represent a rural district where Democrats have suffered our biggest losses, I do hear from some of my Democratic constituents that they don’t trust that the national leadership of the party understands them and is addressing their concerns. That is one of the main reasons that Bernie Sanders won the Democratic Primary in my district this year. “I believe that without changes, including at the top of our House leadership, the voters we need in 2018 will not consider voting for Democratic House challenger candidates. Tim Ryan comes from a Rust Belt community that shares some similarities with my district and is very mu… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | ||
| https://rodneydavis.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=399178 | Davis Bill to Help Improve Veterans Claims Process Passes House | 2016-11-29 | 2016 | 2016-11 | Republican | House | IL | Rodney Davis | D000619 | rodneydavis.house.gov | legacy | U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) released the following statement after his bill to improve the veterans' claims process passed the House today. Davis and U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.) introduced H.R. 5166, the WINGMAN Act in May. This bill is similar to legislation Davis announced at his Veterans Resource Fair in Springfield last August.As members of Congress, helping constituents with casework, or ensuring federal agencies are being responsive to the people we represent, is one of the most important parts of our job, said Davis. Unfortunately, not only is the VA unresponsive to many of our constituents, they are also one of the most difficult agencies to work with when we contact them on their behalf. This legislation will not solve the systemic problems plaguing the VA but it will help us hold the VA accountable and get answers for the veterans we are honored to represent. Click to download the above video.The WINGMAN Act will grant certified congressional staff access to the files they already have permission to, but eliminates the burdensome step of having to use the VA as a middle-man to receive them. Advocates will be able to access the status of a pending claim, medical records, comp and pen records, rating decisions, statement of the case, supplementary statement of the case, notice of disagreement, and Form-9 files. Text of Davis' prepared floor remarks are as follow: Carl, an Army veteran from Springfield, IL, couldn't get a response from the VA to receive a cancer treatment through the VA choice program. After multiple communications, my office was finally able to get authorization from the VA. Bette of Staunton, IL the wife of a decorated Vietnam veteran who served his country for more a decade waited over a year for an answer from the VA about benefits owed to her late husband. Finally, my office was successful in getting Bette, who was experiencing financial difficulty at the time, the accrued benefits owed to her husband. Kenneth of Urbana, IL who received… | 1 | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z | 2026-03-30T12:14:52Z |
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