url,title,date,year,month,party,chamber,state,member_name,bioguide_id,domain,scraper,source,date_source,text,has_text,collected_at,updated_at https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcias-statement-passing-senator-harry-reid,Congressman García’s Statement on the Passing of Senator Harry Reid,2021-12-28,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"CHICAGO, IL – Congressman Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) issued the following statement on the passing of former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV): ""Today we lost a giant. The passing of Senator Harry Reid, marks the loss of one of the most consequential Senate Leaders in our nation's history. A young man born into poverty who took up boxing to pay for college and later served the night shift as a United States Capitol Police officer to put himself through law school. Senator Reid's unlikely rise to political prominence is an embodiment of the American spirit of dogged perseverance and compassion. ""Senator Reid was a longtime advocate, and friend of the Latino community, and worked to champion immigration reform efforts throughout his career. In 2007, Senator Reid was the sole sponsor of the Comprehensive Immigration Reform Act of 2007. Later, despite a tough re-election campaign, the Senator kept his promise to the undocumented community and brought the DREAM Act to a vote on the Senate floor despite not having sufficient votes to pass the legislation. Finally, in 2013, Senate Majority Harry Reid secured passage of S. 744, the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act in the Senate, which would have provided legal status to all 11 million undocumented immigrants in the US including an eventual pathway to citizenship. Even after his retirement from public service, Reid continued to be a vocal advocate for the immigrant community. ""Senator Reid's compassion for his fellow Americans extended far beyond his championing of immigration reform. The Senator was instrumental in the negotiation and passage of the Affordable Care Act, as well as the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act which helped reverse the economic collapse of 2008. When President George W. Bush tried to privatize Social Security, Harry Reid saved it. Later, he fought Republican efforts to limit aid for victims of Hurricane Katrina. ""He was an incredible politician, but more than that, he was a family man who knew what was most important in life – the service of others. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife Landra, his children Rory, Key, Lana, and Leif, and the people he served in Nevada, and all across our country who are grieving the loss of this American patriot and giant of the Senate.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congressional-ukraine-caucus-statement-conversation-president-zelenskyy,Congressional Ukraine Caucus Statement on Conversation with President Zelenskyy,2021-12-24,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Mike Quigley (D-IL), and Andy Harris (R-MD) released the following statement after meeting virtually with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to convey the Congress' strong support for Ukraine as Russian aggression increases. ""The Congressional Ukraine Caucus stands in solidarity with the United States' friend and ally Ukraine. We conveyed to President Zelenskyy that the security and sovereignty of Ukraine are not concerns for her alone to bear. They are – and must continue to be – a cause for which all liberty-loving nations of the world provide their unrelenting support.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-announces-900000-funding-dekalb-county-support-comprehensive-opioid,"Underwood Announces $900,000 in Funding for DeKalb County to Support Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Abuse Treatment Program",2021-12-23,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WEST CHICAGO – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that DeKalb County will receive $900,000 in funding to establish a new program to help individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs). Although substance use disorder and other mental health issues are medical conditions, individuals with these conditions often get caught in the criminal legal system instead of receiving the health care and services they need. The DeKalb County Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Other Substance Use Disorder Project (COSSAP) seeks to provide immediate access to treatment and recovery services for people with SUDs who enter the criminal legal system and ensure that participation in treatment programs is taken into account in sentencing. The funding has been made available by the Department of Justice to support collaboration between the State's Attorney's Office, local law enforcement agencies, other local agencies, and mental health service providers throughout DeKalb County. ""This program will ensure people receive the proper treatment and recovery support they need to succeed post-treatment,"" said Underwood. ""Through this funding, we take a step toward enhancing inpatient and outpatient care for those who struggle with addiction."" The need for support programs within the district is clear. Statistics from the DeKalb County Coroner's Office show that the number of deaths from overdoses rose 160% in the first five months of 2021 as compared with the first five months of 2018. Additionally, outpatient services are only available in the two largest communities, DeKalb and Sycamore, and there are no inpatient facilities located in the county. COSSAP will work to identify community members with SUDs who enter the criminal legal system, assist people with gaining access to treatment services, and sustain recovery progress by linking them with local support services upon release from treatment. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-collects-more-650-holiday-cards-heroes,Schneider Collects More Than 650 ‘Holiday Cards for Heroes’,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"DEERFIELD, Ill. – Congressman Brad Schneider today announced that his office collected more than 650 holiday cards to distribute to military servicemembers. ""The men and women who serve our nation deserve to hear a thank you throughout the year, not just on Veterans Day. Many of the brave men and women in our armed forces are spending this holiday season far from family and home, and a handwritten card is a much-appreciated way to share holiday cheer. I'm glad our office can help facilitate this program to connect constituents and service members,"" Schneider said. This is Schneider's fifth year hosting the Holiday Cards for Heroes Program. Local schoolchildren, libraries, and Tenth District constituents created and dropped off 659 cards in 2021, nearly doubling the amount from 2020. Constituent service representatives in Schneider's office are available to help Tenth District residents with issues involving the federal government. His team has worked with area veterans to expedite medical appointments, process benefit claims with the VA, secure medals and honors that were earned but never received, and more.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-secures-funding-support-innovative-public-safety-and-mental-health,Underwood Secures Funding to Support Innovative Public Safety and Mental Health Initiative; Provides $1.2 Million in Funding to Kane County State's Attorney's Office,2021-12-22,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WEST CHICAGO – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced that the Kane County State's Attorney's Office will receive $1.2 million in funding to establish a new pre-arrest diversion program. Although substance use disorder and other mental health issues are medical conditions, individuals with these conditions often get caught in the criminal legal system instead of getting the health care and services they need. The Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program model seeks to address these issues as the public health challenges they are by creating a new system that provides access to necessary care outside of the criminal legal system. The funding has been made available by the Department of Justice to support collaboration between the State's Attorney's Office, agencies, and mental health service providers throughout Kane County, in addition to the Elgin Police Department. The Kane County State's Attorney's Office worked with the Elgin Police Department to create a Collaborative Crisis Services Unit (CCSU) to pilot an early version of the pre-arrest diversion program. ""Through this funding, we take a crucial step toward strengthening our justice system and ensuring those who are most vulnerable in our community are being cared for, not criminalized,"" said Underwood. Objectives of LEAD model pre-arrest diversion are to: improve public safety, reduce the number of people entering the criminal legal system, eliminate racial disparities in the system, create sustainability by reinvesting systems savings, and improve police-community relations. The core activity is effective, harm-reducing, non-coercive case management of participants. This model relies on well-established and ongoing collaboration between a broad spectrum of community-based agencies and mental health service providers. Evaluations of the LEAD model have demonstrated a dramatic reduction in recidivism for participants as well as significant system cost savings. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://bost.house.gov/2021/12/bost-announces-2021-congressional-app-challenge-winner,BOST ANNOUNCES 2021 CONGRESSIONAL APP CHALLENGE WINNER,2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today announced the winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge, Neil Phillips of Emge Jr. High School in Belleville. Launched in 2015, the competition is a nationwide event intended to engage students’ creativity and encourage their participation in STEM fields. Neil’s app allows users to play “instruments” online by using different keystrokes and commands. “Congratulations to Neil for winning this year’s competition,” said Bost. “The Congressional App Challenge gives middle and high school students a great opportunity to learn new skills, like coding and app design, which will serve them well in their futures. Thank you to Neil and all the other Southern Illinois students who participated in the competition this year. Job well done!” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-millers-statement-president-biden-remarks,Congresswoman Miller's Statement on President Biden Remarks,2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"EFFINGHAM, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issued the below statement following President Biden's remarks. ""President Biden is viciously dividing Americans after his false promise of unity, and his message today reveals his campaign pledge to 'shut down the virus, not the economy' was a lie,"" Miller said. ""He did not address natural immunity once or admit that hospital staff shortages are being caused by vaccine mandates placed on doctors and nurses who recovered from COVID naturally."" ""Last week, Vice President Kamala Harris said, 'we didn't see Delta coming' and 'we didn't see Omicron coming,' after an entire 2020 campaign promising that they would be experts on defeating COVID. In a shocking apology for China's communist government, Vice President Harris said, 'it's no one's fault' that COVID spread from Wuhan, China, the location of the Wuhan Institute of Virology, to the rest of the world. The greatest hypocrisy of the Biden-Harris Administration is a wide open southern border where hundreds of thousands of foreign nationals are crossing with zero testing and vaccine requirements.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-robin-kelly-releases-2021-year-review-highlighting-accomplishments,Rep. Robin Kelly Releases 2021 Year in Review Highlighting Accomplishments for Illinois’ Second Congressional District,2021-12-21,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin L. Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,robinkelly,https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), released her 2021 Year in Review report, detailing her legislative accomplishments in Washington and services provided to her constituents in Illinois. “Serving the people of Illinois’ Second Congressional District is a pleasure and an honor. I am grateful that my team and I were able to help more than 600 constituents resolve issues with federal agencies and return more than $1 million of their hard-earned benefits to them,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “I’m proud of our work in D.C. to help the American people and grow our economy by passing the American Rescue Plan, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and to advance additional policies that will bring affordable healthcare to everyone, to prevent gun violence and create opportunity in our communities. From South Chicago to Kankakee, I’m proud of what I have accomplished for my constituents this year, and I look forward to continuing to serve Illinoisans in 2022.” Key Takeaways: Rep. Kelly and her team closed nearly 600 constituent services cases, helping constituents resolve issues with federal agencies such as the U.S. Postal Service, the Department of Veterans Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, and the Social Security Administration. Through Rep. Kelly’s constituent services operation, she returned $1.1 million to constituents by resolving incorrect social security payments, delayed veterans’ benefits, tax returns and more. Rep. Kelly and her staff helped reunite the Lopez family, whose mother was not permitted to return to the U.S. for nearly two years after traveling to Mexico for an immigration appointment. In voting to pass the American Rescue Plan, Rep. Kelly brought $210 million in Child Tax Credit payments, $22 million in restaurant grants for small businesses, $536 million in shuttered venue grants, $5 billion to help K-12 schools reopen, $269 million for Community Health Centers to vaccinate communities and more than 196,000 jobs to Illinois. Rep. Kelly voted to pass the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which will invest more than $16 billion in Illinois’ infrastructure and create 2 million jobs per year over the course of the next decade nationwide. Rep. Kelly introduced more than five bills to address gun violence and successfully advocated for increased funding for community violence prevention. Through the American Rescue Plan, Rep. Kelly advanced her MOMMAs Act legislation to provide 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage. Congress passed Rep. Kelly’s Protecting Seniors from Scams Act to require the Federal Trade commission to report on scams targeting older adults. As a Co-Chair of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls, Rep. Kelly released the first ever Congressional Report on Black Women and Girls. Congresswoman Kelly’s full 2021 Year in Review is available to view here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-announces-nearly-1-billion-new-funding-roads-and-bridges-headed,"Casten Announces Nearly $1 Billion in New Funding for Roads and Bridges Headed to Illinois, First Round of Highway Funding Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Downers Grove, IL – Today, Rep. Casten announced that Illinois will receive $999,514,444 in new federal funding under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to create good-paying jobs for Illinoisans while improving roads and bridges across the state. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Illinois highways authorized by this new law. ""With this new funding from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, we're putting Illinoisans to work rebuilding roads and bridges in communities across the state,"" said Rep. Casten. ""This investment represents a strong first step toward strengthening our state's essential infrastructure – and with it, we'll cut down commute times, help small businesses get goods to market, and keep travelers safe on our roads."" The historic and bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, signed into law by President Biden on November 15th, secured new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, can be used for the construction, reconstruction, or improvement. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois a C- grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention. With this funding – and more to come – the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will create good-paying union jobs strengthening this crippled infrastructure. ""We are already seeing the tangible impact of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in communities across Illinois,"" continued Rep. Casten. ""I was proud to vote for this historic legislation – which will make a tremendous difference in the lives of Illinoisans– and I look forward to seeing more federal funding flow into our communities.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/members-congress-call-biden-reverse-us-policies-contributing-afghanistans,Members of Congress Call on Biden to Reverse U.S. Policies Contributing to Afghanistan’s Humanitarian and Economic Crisis,2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressional Progressive Caucus Chair Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), CPC Vice Chair and House Financial Services Committee member, Representative Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), and House Foreign Affairs Committee member Representative Sara Jacobs (CA-53) led four dozen members of Congress in calling on the Biden administration to urgently reverse U.S. policies contributing to imminent mass starvation and the current economic collapse of Afghanistan. In a letter addressed to the President and senior Treasury Department officials, the lawmakers emphasized their support for his decision to withdraw troops from the country, but urged that the new phase of the U.S.-Afghan relationship must avoid harsh economic measures that will directly cause loss of life and other harm to Afghan families and children. Specifically, they urge ""conscientiously but urgently modifying current U.S. policy regarding the freeze of Afghanistan's foreign reserves and ongoing sanctions."" They write, ""We fear, as aid groups do, that maintaining this policy could cause more civilian deaths in the coming year than were lost in 20 years of war."" Citing United Nations estimates that 1 million Afghan children are at risk of starving to death, the members of Congress note that the U.S. freeze of $9.4 billion in Afghanistan's foreign reserves in August, along with the imposition of broad economic sanctions, are driving ""soaring inflation and the shuttering of commercial banks and vital private businesses, plunging the country — which relies overwhelmingly on imports that require hard currency — deeper into economic and humanitarian crisis."" Similarly, they note that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has denied Afghanistan access to special reserve assets intended to help developing countries alleviate the impact of the pandemic. The consequences of these policies for the Afghan people have been immediate and catastrophic. United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has warned that ""after decades of war, suffering and insecurity, [Afghans] face perhaps their most perilous hour,"" imploring countries ""to take action and inject liquidity into the Afghan economy to avoid collapse."" World Food Programme surveys indicate that 95 percent of Afghan households are not consuming enough food. The United Nations Development Program reports that Afghanistan will face ""universal poverty by the middle of next year,"" with the poverty rate expected to rise from 72 percent to as high as 98 percent. Afghanistan's economic pain and humanitarian collapse both threaten to trigger a new refugee crisis throughout the region. ""No increase in food and medical aid can compensate for the macroeconomic harm of soaring prices of basic commodities, a banking collapse, a balance-of-payments crisis, a freeze on civil servants' salaries, and other severe consequences that are rippling throughout Afghan society, harming the most vulnerable,"" write the lawmakers. ""We deplore the new Taliban government's grave human rights abuses, crackdowns on civil society and repression of women and LGBTQ people. However, pragmatic U.S. engagement with the de facto authorities is nevertheless key to averting unprecedented harm to tens of millions of women, children and innocent civilians. Punitive economic policies will not weaken Taliban leaders, who will be shielded from the direct consequences, while the overwhelming impact of these measures will fall on innocent Afghans who have already suffered decades of war and poverty."" The lawmakers note that engagement with the Taliban to coordinate central bank access to urgently needed hard currency can provide the necessary leverage to secure human rights improvements, and that a failure to avert economic catastrophe in Afghanistan creates risks to U.S. national security, by deterring Taliban cooperation on counterterrorism efforts, fueling anti-American resentment, and creating ungoverned spaces fertile for militant groups to seize. ""U.S. economic policy should not undermine the national-security imperative of seeking stability in Afghanistan, and instead should minimize the risk of threats emanating from the country,"" the lawmakers conclude. ""We stand ready to work closely with you as you expeditiously review current U.S. policy in light of the extraordinary economic and humanitarian risks confronting the people of Afghanistan."" Representatives Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), and Sara Jacobs (CA-53) were joined by Representatives Alma Adams (NC-12), Karen Bass (CA-37), Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Donald S. Beyer Jr. (VA-08), Jamaal Bowman, Ed.D (NY-16), Earl Blumenauer (OR-03), Cori Bush (MO-01), Tony Cárdenas (CA-29), André Carson (IN-07), Judy Chu (CA-27), Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Danny K. Davis (IL-07), Peter A. DeFazio (OR-04), Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Teresa Leger Fernández (NM-03), Sylvia Garcia (TX-29), Al Green (TX-09), Jared Huffman (CA-02), Henry C. ""Hank"" Johnson (GA-04), Mondaire Jones (NY-17), Kaiali'i Kahele (HI-02), Ro Khanna (CA-17), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Andy Levin (MI-09), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Betty McCollum (MN-04), James P. McGovern (MA-02), Grace Meng (NY-06), Marie Newman (IL-03), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Chellie Pingree (ME-01), Mark Pocan (WI-02), Katie Porter (CA-45), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Jamie Raskin (MD-08), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-41), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), Juan Vargas (CA-51), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07). The letter can be found online here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-donates-50000-frequent-flyer-miles-help-service-members-and-support,"Schneider Donates 50,000 Frequent Flyer Miles to Help Service Members and Support Global Health",2021-12-20,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) donated his 50,000 frequent flyer miles to programs helping wounded service members and supporting global health and well-being. Schneider donated 25,000 miles to the Hero Miles Program administered by the Fisher House Foundation, which provides round-trip airline tickets to wounded, injured, and ill service members and/or their families who are undergoing treatment at a military or VA medical center. Schneider also donated 25,000 miles to the Miles for Global Health and Well-Being Program, which supports national partners including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, and Stand Up to Cancer. Partnering organizations use the donated miles to help families and children get to their destinations. ""Making travel a little easier to connect service members and children in need with their loved ones is the least we can do this holiday season. The Fisher House Foundation and the Miles for Global Health and Well-Being programs do important work supporting service members, helping children struggling with critical illness, and bringing families together. This holiday season, I'm proud to again support Fisher House and the Miles for Global Health and Well-Being program with a donation of 50,000 airline miles I accrued during my official travel in 2021,"" said Schneider. Schneider introduced legislation, H.R. 577, the Prohibiting Perks and Privileges Act, which would only allow Members of Congress to use airline miles accrued as a result of their service for official travel or donation.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-status-build-back-better-negotiations,Schneider Statement on the Status of Build Back Better Negotiations,2021-12-19,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"DEERFIELD, Ill — Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement: ""Congress must find a way to come to the table and get to ‘yes' if we ever want to unite the country and improve the lives of all Americans—from Illinois to West Virginia. ""I came to Congress nearly a decade ago to improve the lives of the people I represent. We cannot afford to chase dreams of castles built in the clouds. Nor can we afford to throw up our hands when things are hard. We cannot let the vagaries of any one Senator, nor the intransigence of any number of extremists, stand in the way of our meeting the challenges today confronting our nation. From a breaking health care system, to a rapidly warming climate, to our children's future, we stand at the crossroads. ""The Build Back Better Act will lift up our nation and directly address these challenges by lowering the cost of prescription drugs, building our clean energy economy and lifting children out of poverty. All while easing inflationary pressures and being 100% paid-for. ""No one man gets to decide when we give up on these causes. I will never give up on this work. And I pray that Senator Manchin can find a way to not give up here either. Even if today our differences may temporarily feel unbridgeable, we are a strong nation and will persevere.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-announces-midway-ohare-receive-nearly-94-million-bipartisan,"Casten Announces Midway, O’Hare to Receive Nearly $94 Million From Bipartisan Infrastructure Law",2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Downers Grove, IL – Today, Rep. Casten (IL-06) announced that nearly $94 Million in new federal funding under the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is headed to Illinois to make much-needed improvements to O'Hare and Midway airports. O'Hare is set to receive $73,672,455, and Midway will receive $20,245,396. ""Thanks to the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, this new $94 Million investment will deliver new good-paying jobs for Illinoisans while making sorely needed renovations to Midway and O'Hare airports,"" said Rep. Casten. ""These vital investments will ensure that all travelers flying to and from our state have an easier and safer journey."" O'Hare and Midway will receive a similar tranche of funding from the historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law each year for the next five years, as part of a program for airport development. The tranche could vary from year to year, as the funding reflects annual enplanement totals. In addition to these guaranteed funds, O'Hare and Midway can compete with other airports across the country for grants from an additional $5 billion nationally for terminal and landside improvements. On November 15th, President Biden signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included $15 billion in formula funding to help redevelop airports across the country. Projects that qualify for funding include: improvements to runways and taxiways, terminal development and noise prevention. The law also includes an additional $5 billion nationally for FAA towers and facilities funding, which the FAA will distribute among airports in need. ""Under the leadership of President Biden and House Democrats, the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has already proven to be a tremendous victory for Illinoisans"" continued Rep. Casten. ""I was proud to support this historic legislation in the House, and I will keep fighting to ensure every family can benefit from these investments as we rebuild and reimagine our state's infrastructure."" Earlier this month, Sean Casten (D-IL) flew from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington, DC to celebrate the first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) along with U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-announces-nearly-19-billion-in-new-funding-for-roads-and-bridges-headed,Foster Announces Nearly $1.9 Billion in New Funding for Roads and Bridges Headed to Illinois in First Round of Highway Funding Under Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) announced that Illinois will receive almost $1.9 billion in new federal funding under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve roads and bridges across the state. This is the first round of funding under the five years of federal investment in Illinois highways authorized by this new law. ""Thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, federal funding is already on its way to Illinois to rebuild roads and bridges in communities across the state,"" said Foster. ""These federal dollars represent a strong first step toward strengthening our state's essential infrastructure – and with them, we'll cut down commute times, help small businesses get goods to market, and keep travelers safe on our roads. I was proud to vote for this vital funding for our communities and I can't wait to see how it's put to use."" The historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed with bipartisan votes in the House and Senate and was signed into law by President Biden on November 15, securing new federal funding for highway and bridge repair for communities across the nation. The funds, administered by the Federal-aid Highway Program, can be used for the construction, reconstruction, or improvement. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave Illinois a C- grade on its Infrastructure Report Card, finding many deficiencies that require immediate attention. With this funding – and more to come – the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will create good-paying union jobs strengthening infrastructure across Illinois. Illinois is set to receive $1,883,531,823 in this round of funding.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/miller-responds-biden-and-pritzkers-radical-abortion-policies,MILLER RESPONDS TO BIDEN AND PRITZKER'S RADICAL ABORTION POLICIES,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"EFFINGHAM, Ill. - Today, on the Friday before many Americans are focused on the approaching Christmas holiday, the Biden Administration and Governor Pritzker advanced radical abortion policies that are deeply unpopular with the American people. Governor Pritzker signed House Bill 370, repealing parental consent requirements for minor girls receiving an abortion, and the Biden Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mailing dangerous abortion pills to young women without a doctor's visit. Congresswoman Mary Miller (R-IL) issued the following statement on this radical advancement of the abortion agenda: ""Democrats used to say they wanted abortion to be safe, legal and rare, but today, radical abortion activists advanced measures to give young girls abortions without parental consent and to mail dangerous abortion pills to girls without a doctor's visit,"" Miller said. ""Repealing parental consent for abortion makes vulnerable girls even more vulnerable. ""We should all be concerned that sexual abusers will take advantage of this new law by bringing the young girls they prey upon into an abortion clinic. Allowing secret abortions to be performed on minor girls without their mother's knowledge is not healthcare, it's child abuse. ""Parents are the guardians of their children, not the government and not the abortionists at Planned Parenthood."" Illinois House Bill 370 repeals the Parental Notification of Abortion Act of 1995 and goes into effect on June 1, 2022. The Biden FDA said it will make pandemic-era guidance permanent and create new ways to make dangerous abortion pills more accessible in the United States. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-house-vote-hold-mark-meadows-contempt,Quigley Statement on House Vote to Hold Mark Meadows in Contempt,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"On December 14, 2021 U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, released a statement following the House vote to hold former Trump Chief of Staff Mark Meadows in contempt of Congress for his failure to comply with a subpoena from the Select Committee on the January 6 Attack: ""As a former member of Congress, Mark Meadows should know better. During his time in office, he repeatedly spoke out about the importance of respecting Congressional subpoena authority. For Meadows to now illegally defy a subpoena after already providing over 9,000 documents only shows how afraid former Trump administration officials are of angering Donald Trump.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-senate-passage-act-als,Quigley Statement on Senate Passage of ACT for ALS,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), the lead sponsor of the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS), released a statement applauding the Senate's unanimous passage of the bipartisan, bicameral ACT for ALS: ""I am thrilled that the Senate has passed ACT for ALS and officially cleared the way for this life-saving, transformative legislation to be signed into law. For too long, the diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease like ALS has been a death sentence that included the devastating hopelessness of no effective treatment options. ACT for ALS will finally help people living with this cruel disease access promising treatments and create the research infrastructure that could put a cure within reach. ""I am deeply grateful for the hard work and dedication of the Senate co-leads Senators Chris Coons and Lisa Murkowski and of my House co-lead Congressman Fortenberry. But, above all, I am grateful for the tireless advocacy of an entire community who has made the dream of this accomplishment a reality."" This legislation passed the House earlier this month with bipartisan support from 423 Members of Congress and, with Senate passage, now heads to President Joe Biden's desk to be signed into law. ALS affects 1 in 300 people, often leaving patients with no more than three years to live following their diagnosis, and disproportionately impacts U.S. military service members. ACT for ALS authorizes new grants to support expanded access and research programs. This expansion will bring investigational treatments for rapidly progressing diseases beyond their ongoing clinical trials to patients with diseases for which effective therapies don't already exist and allow for additional research into the effectiveness of those interventions. It also creates a new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Rare Neurodegenerative Disease Grant Program to support other research and development on ALS and other life-threatening or severely debilitating neurodegenerative diseases. ""Tonight, because of the tireless work of so many ALS advocates, the Senate unanimously passed the ACT for ALS Act and sent it to President Biden's desk,"" said Senator Coons. ""Thanks to this legislation and the crucial research into ALS it will fund, countless Americans and their families who face down this cruel disease every day can go to sleep tonight with a renewed sense of hope. I am grateful to Senator Murkowski and Representatives Quigley and Fortenberry for their partnership on this landmark bill."" ""This is all about hope. The ACT for ALS Act will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families across the country. Passage of this bill today is a hard-earned win for the ALS community and provides much-deserved hope to all who are affected by this disease,"" said Senator Murkowski. ""As someone whose family has been impacted by ALS, I know how terrible this disease is and how tirelessly the ALS community continues to fight for legislation to improve treatments and quality of life and search for a cure. This bill now heading to the President's desk is huge step forward. It will offer new hope for those who are most in need, those who today—tragically—have very few options for treatment."" ""In a true Christmas miracle, tonight the U.S. Senate gave real hope to those suffering from the cruel, merciless disease of ALS. For over 50 years and over 50 clinical trials, ALS patients have submitted themselves to tests and trials, therapies and placebos, in accordance with the rules of the current health care policy framework. But progress has been uneven, even debatable, with serious impediments to promising new treatments. Many ALS patients have sacrificed their lives to science, as they gradually weakened and died. Tonight, this Congress advanced a new way,"" said Representative Fortenberry. ""ACT for ALS represents a monumental shift for those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative conditions. The bill does two main things: it transforms the paradigm of disease research and regulation and creates a new pathway to promising new treatments. It drives the hope. With this transformative piece of public policy, we can break through faster for those who have suffered so much. I am deeply grateful to Representative Quigley and Senators Coons and Murkowski for their partnership on this groundbreaking legislation."" ""For one hundred and sixty years, there has been no hope for those diagnosed with ALS. That changed tonight. Tonight, as a result of tens of thousands of ALS advocates working nonstop to make their voices heard and demanding the chance to live, hope has finally come to people living with ALS,"" said Brian Wallach, co-founder of I AM ALS. ""Thanks to the relentless work of Senators Coons and Murkowski as well as Representatives Quigley and Fortenberry, ACT for ALS has now passed both the House and the Senate and is on its way to President Biden. This moment was supposed to be impossible. The ALS community, however, refused to give up. So today, we celebrate the impossible becoming real and a new chapter for the fight against ALS."" ""ACT for ALS will directly impact the lives of people with ALS by providing expanded access to investigational drugs and funding new research at FDA to find treatments and cures that are urgently needed. Thank you to people with ALS and their families, ALS advocates, and to Congress for passing this historic bill,"" said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO, The ALS Association.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-vote-raise-debt-ceiling,Quigley Statement on Vote to Raise the Debt Ceiling,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"On December 15, 2021, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, released the following statement after voting to raise the debt ceiling and avoid a catastrophic default on our nation's debt: ""Today, Democrats acted to avert a catastrophic default that would have sent the economy into a tailspin and threatened the jobs and savings of millions of Americans. Playing games with the full faith and credit of the United States is reckless, dangerous, and unacceptable. Thankfully, with today's vote we put this issue behind us for the coming year.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-senate-must-include-immigration-despite-ruling-parliamentarian,"Schneider: Senate Must Include Immigration, Despite Ruling of Parliamentarian; Businesses, Communities Are Counting On It",2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) called for immigration action during a press call with the American Business Immigration Coalition (ABIC). In response to news that the Senate parliamentarian has once again rejected immigration provisions that would provide a five year work authorization for immigrants, Schneider asked that the Senate get things done on immigration by making their own determination of their body's rules. Video of the press conference can be found here. Schneider's remarks as prepared for delivery are available below: Last night, I was profoundly disappointed learning the news that – for arcane reasons that Americans really don't understand – the parliamentarian thinks that provisions of the Build Back Better Act to provide a five year renewable work authorization for immigrants runs afoul of Senate rules. In a government by and for the People, for our Senate to run like this is unacceptable. It's this it's a sign that the Senate is fundamentally broken and increasingly undemocratic. If we want to succeed in the 21st century, if we want to compete in the 21st century, we have to get things done. But because Congress has been unable to address immigration now for more than a generation, our nation is failing to live up to its full potential. We have to provide some level of immigration reform. Our businesses are counting on it, and our communities are depending on it, and the Senate quite simply isn't delivering. But before I move on, I want to emphasize a key point: as Rebecca noted in her opening remarks, immigration reform is bipartisan. It's bipartisan in my community. It's bipartisan, as was mentioned with the Problem Solvers Caucus. And if Republicans in the Senate were truly interested in solving America's problems, the actions of the parliamentarian last night wouldn't be an issue. We wouldn't have to ask for extraordinary action. Unfortunately, however, we have seen, Senate Republicans develop an increasingly extreme position on this issue. Their representation in the Senate is so disconnected from the mainstream that their functional veto of this policy is truly and fundamentally undemocratic. The urgency of the problem is all around us. This week, I traveled across my district. In every gathering I attend, I hear the same two things: ‘we have challenges with the supply chain, and we desperately need employees. We have a hard time hiring people.' In fact, just yesterday, I visited a rehabilitation and long term care facility. They care for seniors in need, whether it's long term or after surgery, and they're looking for nurses, therapists, other critical health care workers, to literally help patients get back on their feet and fully recover. Despite raising their pay, offering to provide education stipends, they simply can't find enough people to care for their patients. They can't put enough caretakers in the rooms taking care of the beds, providing the therapy and in their occupational therapy rooms. They know that simple solutions on immigration policy would help their business and would help our seniors. Build Back Better is far from the ideal version of comprehensive immigration reform that we need. But at the very least, it begins to address the challenges we face. America can't afford to leave our businesses hanging. America can't afford to leave our immigrant community hanging. We need results. We need the Senate to take positive steps. And that's why I hope my colleagues in the Senate will make their own determination on their body's rules and include immigration reform in the Build Back Better Act.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-urges-illinois-health-facilities-and-services-review-board-allow,Underwood Urges Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board to Allow McHenry Hospital to Continue to Serve the 14th District,2021-12-17,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Read the original letter here or republished below. To the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board: I write regarding the pending application for exemption to discontinue the 23-bed obstetric care category of service at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital (McHenry Hospital). As the Board reviews this application, I urge you to take into consideration all available data related to the impacts of obstetric service discontinuations to ensure your decision on the exemption application will optimize maternal health outcomes in McHenry County and the surrounding area. The Board's decision must uphold the fundamental principle that every Illinoisan in every community across our state – whether rural, urban, or suburban – needs and deserves access to high-quality maternal health care and robust support during pregnancy, throughout labor and delivery, in the postpartum period, and beyond. Because federal health program beneficiaries seek care at McHenry Hospital, Northwestern Medicine is a recipient of federal funding through multiple channels, such as direct payments from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and additional emergency federal funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a Member of Congress, it is my responsibility to ensure that recipients of federal funds are using these resources as efficiently as possible, to the greatest possible benefit of our community. The decision to discontinue obstetric care services at McHenry Hospital comes in the midst of a maternal health crisis impacting Illinoisans and Americans across the country. The United States has the highest pregnancy-related mortality rate of any high-income country and the majority of these deaths are preventable. Black and Native Americans are two to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white Americans. Hispanic and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) people also experience disproportionately high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. In Illinois, maternal mortality rates are rising and persistent racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes remain. In Illinois, maternal mortality rates are rising and persistent racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes remain. While the causes of the maternal health crisis are numerous, a significant driver of adverse maternal health outcomes is a lack of access to care. According to the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA), the loss of accessible obstetric services and increased distance to travel to care has been associated with ""increased risk of non-indicated induced Cesarean section (which can lead to more complications), postpartum hemorrhage, prolonged hospital stay, and/or postpartum depression."" HRSA's data on maternal health care access and outcomes are consistent with peer-reviewed studies conducted in recent years, which have produced similar findings. One study found that a loss of hospital-based obstetric services is associated with an increase in births in hospitals without obstetric services as well as low prenatal care use. Pregnant patients who go through labor and delivery in hospitals without obstetric services are exposed to a ""greater risk of morbidity, mortality, and poor infant outcomes."" Low prenatal care use is associated with greater risk of adverse maternal and infant health outcomes as well: pregnant individuals who do not receive prenatal care are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than those who receive care. Furthermore, infants born to mothers who do not receive prenatal care are three times more likely to have a low birthweight and five times more likely to die in infancy than infants born to mothers who receive care. Given the maternal and infant health risks associated with births in hospitals without obstetric services and low prenatal care use, it is critical that Northwestern Medicine provides detailed information about the steps the health system is taking to ensure pregnant patients are able to deliver their babies in facilities with obstetric services and receive prenatal care consistent with clinical guidelines. According to Northwestern Medicine, obstetric care currently provided at McHenry Hospital will ""transition to Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital (Huntley Hospital)"" pending regulatory approval. To assess whether patients who would have previously received prenatal care or given birth at McHenry Hospital will be able to access Huntley Hospital without prohibitive barriers, Northwestern Medicine must provide independently verifiable and publicly accessible data demonstrating the projected impacts of the obstetric care services discontinuation at McHenry Hospital on the time and distance that patients will need to travel to get to Huntley Hospital. These data must be as geographically granular as possible, assessing the impacts of the transition of obstetric care services on patients in each part of McHenry County, western Lake County, and the surrounding area from which people currently seek obstetric care at McHenry Hospital. The data should also be disaggregated by demographic information like race, ethnicity, language, income, family structure, and employment status. Northwestern Medicine must be completely transparent about all the relevant data the health system has collected to justify the discontinuation of obstetric services at McHenry Hospital and ensure the public has access to these data to the fullest extent possible. Northwestern Medicine must also provide specific and detailed information about the health system's plans to address access barriers for low-income pregnant patients and others lacking reliable transportation options or related challenges. These plans must be developed in coordination with and supported by community members and stakeholders, who have the most in-depth understanding of the effects that the obstetric service discontinuation at McHenry Hospital will have on local residents broadly and on our most vulnerable neighbors specifically. As you review Northwestern Medicine's application for exemption, I urge you to consider the implications of this decision for the thousands of residents in McHenry County and Lake County who rely on McHenry Hospital as the nearest site for their inpatient health care needs. McHenry Hospital, ranked as one of the best hospitals in Illinois, is an essential part of our community, including for all the pregnant people who receive obstetric care at the facility. The consequences of the decision that the Health Facilities and Services Review Board must make are significant. It is essential that your decision is informed by robust data, complete evidence, and thorough stakeholder engagement. If you have any questions about the issues I have raised, please do not hesitate to contact my staff at Jack.DiMatteo@mail.house.gov. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your work to ensure that every Illinois community has access to high-quality health care. Sincerely, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-espaillat-correa-statement-parliamentarian-striking-immigration-plan-c,"García, Espaillat, Correa Statement on Parliamentarian Striking Immigration Plan ‘C’ from Build Back Better Act",2021-12-16,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Representatives Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) and Lou Correa (CA-46), released the following statement regarding the Senate Parliamentarian's ruling barring the inclusion of work authorization and deportation protections for our nation's undocumented immigrants in the Build Back Better Act: ""We are deeply disappointed by the Senate Parliamentarian's decision tonight barring the inclusion of Plan ‘C' in the Build Back Better Act — yet another rejection of immigration reform that without a doubt has a significant budgetary impact,"" said the members. ""For the past 35 years we've promised our communities that we would deliver for them, and we can't let an unelected bureaucrat decide the future of our nation's most vulnerable — and hardworking — neighbors."" ""We've said it before, and we will say it again: at this point, the Senate can — and must — reinstate a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act, even if that means disregarding the Senate Parliamentarian and bringing that vote to the Senate floor,"" the members concluded. ""History will take note of those who for so long have championed delivering for our communities, but have delivered nothing but inaction, empty promises, and dreams deferred."" # # # Declaración de García, Espaillat y Correa sobre la Decisión de la Parlamentaria Contra el Plan de Inmigración ""C"" en la Ley Para Reconstruir Mejor WASHINGTON, DC — Hoy, los Representantes Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) y Lou Correa (CA-46) y emitieron el siguiente comunicado sobre el fallo de la parlamentaria del Senado que prohíbe la inclusión de autorización de trabajo y protecciones de deportación para los inmigrantes indocumentados de nuestra nación en la Ley para Reconstruir Mejor (Build Back Better Act): ""Estamos profundamente decepcionados por la decisión de la parlamentaria del Senado dada a conocer esta noche de prohibir la inclusión del Plan 'C' en la Ley Para Reconstruir Mejor, es otro rechazo más a la reforma migratoria que sin duda tiene un impacto presupuestario significativo"", dijeron los miembros. ""Durante los últimos 35 años, hemos prometido a nuestras comunidades que cumpliríamos con ellos, y no podemos permitir que una burócrata no elegida decida el futuro de los vecinos más vulnerables y trabajadores de nuestra nación"". ""Lo hemos dicho antes, y lo diremos de nuevo: en este punto, el Senado puede, y debe, restablecer un camino hacia la ciudadanía en la Ley Para Reconstruir Mejor, incluso si eso significa ignorar a la parlamentaria del Senado y llevar ese voto al pleno del Senado"", concluyeron los miembros. ""La historia tomará nota de aquellos que durante tanto tiempo han hecho promesas a nuestras comunidades, pero no han entregado más que la inacción, las promesas vacías y los sueños aplazados"". # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-robin-kelly-clarke-watson-coleman-fitzpatrick-introduce-bipartisan,"Reps. Robin Kelly, Clarke, Watson Coleman, Fitzpatrick Introduce the Bipartisan Protect Black Women and Girls Act",2021-12-15,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin L. Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,robinkelly,https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– This week, Congresswomen Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ), Co-Chairs of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls, and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced the bipartisan Protect Black Women and Girls Act. This bill would establish an Interagency Task Force to examine the conditions and experiences of Black women and girls in education, economic development, healthcare, labor and employment, housing, justice, and civil rights, to promote community-based methods for mitigating and addressing harm and ensuring accountability and to study societal effects on Black women and girls. “It is long past time for this country to acknowledge the disturbing treatment Black women and girls endure, but acknowledgement will not be enough,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “We must dedicate federal resources to examining the causes of these issues and commit ourselves to improving the education, healthcare, economic opportunity and civil rights available to American Black women and girls. I am proud to introduce the Protect Black Women and Girls Act alongside my Caucus on Black Women and Girls Co-Chairs and Congressman Fitzpatrick.” “As co-chair of the Caucus on Black Women and Girls I know that Black women routinely suffer from disparate outcomes in areas ranging from pay, to maternal mortality, to housing instability and over-incarceration,” said Watson Coleman. “This bill will, for the first time, charge a commission to examine the causes of these gaps and propose solutions. This bill and the commission it will create, represent an important step in creating equity for America’s Black women and girls.” ""An Interagency Task Force intended to investigate the heinous conditions too many Black women and girls experience throughout their lives in every setting, from the boardroom to the doctor's office, is a necessary pathway to protecting future generations from the ceaseless struggles faced by current and past generations. Despite our leadership in every liberation movement throughout this nation’s history, Black women and girls of America continue to be brutalized and marginalized by a governing system sworn to protect us. For centuries, our health has been disregarded, our safety has been ignored, and our dreams have been discarded. This Task Force reflects a change in direction and a critical step towards bringing a universal understanding of the situation Black women and girls still live under. I look forward to its inception following the passage of this important and timely legislation,"" said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. ""As Members of Congress, we must work towards making the American Dream more attainable for every American. For far too long, Black women and girls have experienced disproportionate inequities in housing, financial stability, education, and healthcare,"" said Rep. Fitzpatrick. ""I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation that establishes an interagency task force to improve policy outcomes and will require the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to study the experience of Black women and girls in our country. I look forward to continuing to work on bipartisan solutions to create more access to economic and educational opportunities and improve the livelihoods of Black women and girls."" While the data collected on the experiences and conditions of Black women and girls is often insufficient and incomplete, we know the following to be true: Black women die from pregnancy-related complications at 3 times the rate of their non-Hispanic white counterparts; For every US dollar that a white man earns in the United States, Black women are paid 61 cents; 60% of Black girls experience sexual assault before they reach adulthood. In comparison to white girls, Black school-aged girls are four times more likely to be arrested at school and five times more likely to be transferred to another school for disciplinary reasons. The Protect Black Women and Girls Act would establish an Interagency Task Force to examine the conditions and experiences of Black women and girls in the United States. This task force would be responsible for: Identifying and assessing the efficacy of policies and programs at the federal, state, and local levels designed to improve outcomes for Black women and girls; Making recommendations for improving these policies and programs; Covering issues involving Black women and girls in education, economic development, health care, justice, civil rights, and housing; and Submitting recommendations to Congress, the President, and each state or local government on policies, practices, programs, and incentives that should be adopted to improve their outcomes. It would also direct the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to conduct a study and collect data on the effects of specified economic, health, criminal justice, and social service factors on Black women and girls. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-casten-joins-senate-judiciary-committee-field-hearing-combating,CONGRESSMAN CASTEN JOINS SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE FIELD HEARING ON COMBATING GUN TRAFFICKING AND REDUCING VIOLENCE IN CHICAGO,2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C — Today, Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) joined the Senate Judiciary Committee for a field hearing on Combatting Gun Trafficking and Reducing Gun Violence in Chicago. The hearing was livestreamed here. Casten, who has been a leader in gun violence prevention since coming to Congress, recently reintroduced the Gun Trafficker Detection Act, legislation to create a federal requirement that gun owners must report if their gun is lost or stolen within 48 hours. While federal law requires firearm dealers to report firearms that are lost or stolen from their inventory to local authorities and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), it does not currently require gun owners to report lost or stolen firearms to law enforcement. The Gun Trafficker Detection Act, co-led by Rep. Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Rep. Ted Deutch (FL-22), would prevent further trafficking of illegal guns and decrease the number of violent crimes involving guns in Chicagoland and across the U.S. Specifically, the Gun Trafficker Detection Act would prevent further trafficking of illegal guns by: Requiring gun owners to report their gun lost or stolen within 48 hours. Helping law enforcement identify and prosecute gun traffickers who often claim their gun was lost or stolen only once it turns up at a crime scene across state lines. Making traffickers liable for any damage done by their guns. Prohibiting repeat violators from purchasing a gun for 5 years. Creating a web-based portal to report a firearm as missing or stolen. Bill text for the Gun Trafficker Detection Act can be found here. As 2021 is set to be the deadliest year of gun violence in decades, efforts by states like Illinois to prevent gun violence are often undermined by weak gun laws in neighboring states like Indiana. Over 5,500 illegally possessed guns were seized by Chicago police in the first six months of 2021 alone. In Illinois in 2019, guns trafficked across state lines comprise about 63% of the total number of illegally possessed guns. Illinois is not alone—in states with extensive gun safety measures, like New York and New Jersey, 79 percent and 72 percent of recovered crime guns originated out of state, respectively. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/house-representatives-passes-schakowskyomar-bill-combating-international,"House of Representatives Passes Schakowsky/Omar Bill, Combating International Islamophobia Act",2021-12-14,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Image WASHINGTON—Today the U.S. House of Representatives passed Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Rep. Ilhan Omar's (D-MN) bill, the Combating International Islamophobia Act, 219-212. Hours earlier, the Biden Administration announced the President's support for the legislation. The bill requires the U.S. State Department to create a Special Envoy for monitoring and combating Islamophobia, and include state-sponsored Islamophobic violence and impunity in the Department's annual human rights reports. The creation of the Special Envoy will help policymakers better understand the interconnected, global problem of anti-Muslim bigotry, and will establish a comprehensive strategy for U.S. leadership in combatting Islamophobia worldwide. ""As a proud co-lead of the Combating International Islamophobia Act, I was thrilled to see it pass the House today,"" said Congresswoman Schakowsky. ""In the U.S. alone, nearly 70 percent of American Muslims have reported personally experiencing anti-Muslim hate, bigotry, and even violence. This anti-Muslim hate isn't just confined to certain areas of the country or the globe. It happens everywhere – including in the halls of Congress. It is well past time for the U.S. to seriously examine and address anti-Muslim hate at home and abroad."" ""We are in the midst of a staggering of anti-Muslim violence and discrimination around the world,"" Rep. Omar said today in a floor speech. ""At rise its worst, it is Uyghurs in concentration camps in China and a genocide against the Rohingya in Burma. But those atrocities are part of a deeper fabric of violence against Muslims and impunity for violence against Muslims at a global level. In India, Prime Minister Modi's government has moved to strip citizenship from millions of Muslims and has occupied Kashmir. In Sri Lanka, anti-Muslim laws and violence have imposed terror on the community. In Hungary, Belarus, and Poland, politicians have stoked fear of Muslim refugees and immigrants. In New Zealand and Canada, white supremacist violence has targeted Muslims, including at their places of worship. Earlier this year, the United Nations commissioned a report and concluded that Islamophobia has reached ‘epidemic proportions' and urged nations around the world to take all necessary measures to combat it. As a country that was founded on religious liberty, our leadership on international religious freedom depends on recognizing that Islamophobia is global in scope, and we must lead the global effort to address it. That's why Rep, Schakowsky and I have introduced this bill, to create a special envoy for monitoring and combating Islamophobia at the State Department. This year, the United States has seen over 500 documented complaints of anti-Muslim hate and bias. In a recent study conducted by CAIR, found 69% of respondents personally experienced anti-Muslim bigotry or discrimination since 9/11. In a separate study conducted by the Othering and Belonging Institute, found 67% of Muslims personally experienced Islamophobia in their lifetimes. In March, the United Nations Human Rights Council cited discrimination and hatred towards Muslims has risen to ""epidemic proportions."" There has been a staggering rise in incidents of violent Islamophobia incidents worldwide. Whether it is the atrocities being committed against the Uyghurs in China and the Rohingya in Burma, the crackdowns on Muslim populations in India and Sri Lanka, the scapegoating of Muslim refugees and other Muslims in Hungary and Poland, the acts of white supremacist violence targeting Muslims in New Zealand and Canada, or the targeting of minority Muslim communities in Muslim-majority countries like Pakistan, Bahrain, and Iran—the problem of Islamophobia is global in scope. The Combating International Islamophobia Act is cosponsored by Reps Bass, Bowman, Carson, Correa, Dean, Dingell, Eshoo, García (IL), Green (TX), Grijalva, Jacobs (CA), Jackson Lee, H. Johnson (GA), Jones, Kim (NJ), Lowenthal, C. Maloney, McGovern, Newman, Norton, Ocasio-Cortez, Pascrell, Payne, Phillips, Pocan, Pressley, Rush, Sires, Tlaib, Watson Coleman, Williams, Jayapal, Davis, Castro, Meeks, Sánchez, Quigley, Raskin, Evans, Lawrence, Trone, Blumenauer, Sarbanes, Chu, Ruppersberger, Malinowski, Wild, Schneider, Scott, Lieu, Sherman, Brown, McCollum, Johnson (TX), Degette and Neguse. The Combating International Islamophobia Act is endorsed by the American Muslim Empowerment Network (AMEN), American Muslims for Palestine, Americans for Peace Now, Arizona Muslim Alliance, Center for Victims of Torture, Church World Service, Common Defense, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), Human Rights First, ICNA Council for Social Justice (ICNA CSJ), IfNotNow, International Islamophobia Studies Research Association, Islamophobia Studies Center, Islamophobia Studies Journal, Jetpac Resource Center, Jewish Voice for Peace Action, Libyan American Alliance, MPower Change, Muslim American Society, Muslim Public Affairs Council, Oxfam America, Poligon Education Fund, Revolutionary Love Project, Secure Justice, South Asian Americans Leading Together (SAALT), Together We Serve, U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO), United Church of Christ, Justice and Witness Ministries, and Veterans For Peace. Full text of the legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://bost.house.gov/2021/12/illinois disaster declaration letter,"DURBIN, DUCKWORTH, DAVIS, BOST LEAD ILLINOIS DELEGATION IN URGING WHITE HOUSE TO SUPPORT EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR 28 COUNTIES FOLLOWING SEVERE WEATHER",2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and U.S. Representatives Rodney Davis (R-IL-13) and Mike Bost (R-IL-12) today led every member of the Illinois Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to President Biden urging the White House to support Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for an Emergency Declaration for 28 counties. The letter follows severe weather and tornadoes this past weekend that led to six fatalities from the collapse of an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois. “We are writing in support of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for an Emergency Declaration for the following Illinois counties to assist in the response to extensive tornado damage: Bond, Cass, Champaign, Coles, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jackson, Jersey, Kankakee, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Shelby, Tazewell, and Woodford,” wrote the lawmakers. “Governor Pritzker has determined that this incident is of such severity that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments, and the State is in need of Public Assistance to continue responding to and recovering from this tragic disaster,” the letter concluded. Full text of the letter is available below: December 13, 2021 Dear Mr. President: We are writing in support of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s request for an Emergency Declaration for the following Illinois counties to assist in the response to extensive tornado damage: Bond, Cass, Champaign, Coles, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jackson, Jersey, Kankakee, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Shelby, Tazewell, and Woodford. This past weekend, severe weather and tornadoes impacted Central Illinois and the Metro East area. An EF-3 tornado caused the collapse of an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville. While 45 employees were rescued from the collapsed building, there were six fatalities, and there is still an ongoing search and rescue mission for unaccounted employees at this site. Governor Pritzker has determined that this incident is of such severity that effective response is beyond the capabilities of the state and local governments, and the State is in need of Public Assistance to continue responding to and recovering from this tragic disaster. Thank you in advance for your timely consideration of this important request. We stand ready to assist in any way appropriate. Sincerely, ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/reps-garcia-ocasio-cortez-pressley-tlaib-and-jones-applaud-fdics-review-bank,"Reps. García, Ocasio-Cortez, Pressley, Tlaib, and Jones Applaud FDIC’s Review of Bank Merger Practices, Condemn Chair McWilliams’ Illegal Attempt to Void Board Decision",2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – In response to the FDIC Board of Director's decision to review the agencies bank merger review practices and Chair Jelena McWilliams' refusal to recognize the vote, Representatives Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), members of the House Financial Services Committee, and Rep. Mondaire Jones (NY-17), issued the following statement: ""Consolidation in the banking industry hurts consumers, small businesses, and small community banks, and we applaud the decision by the FDIC's Board of Directors to reevaluate its bank merger review practices. FDIC Chair Jelena McWilliam's refusal to recognize the decisive affirmative vote of the Board is unacceptable. We denounce this clearly illegal obstruction within one of our most important banking regulators. Our federal agencies have served as rubber stamps for bank mergers for far too long. The FDIC's pending review, which reflects President Biden's Executive Order promoting competition, is a crucial step in the right direction. The FDIC must ignore Chair McWilliams' illegal obstruction and carry out its planned review. We hope other financial regulators take similar steps to ensure bank mergers don't undermine access to credit, competition, and financial stability."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-joins-illinois-congressional-delegation-request-emergency,Congresswoman Miller Joins Illinois Congressional Delegation in a Request for an Emergency Declaration,2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OAKLAND, Ill. - Today, Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) sent a letter to the White House with the Illinois Congressional Delegation asking for an Emergency Declaration for twenty-eight counties in Illinois. The letter was sent in response to severe weather and tornado damage across the Midwest this past weekend. ""We are continuing to pray for our neighbors and fellow Americans across the region in the aftermath of last week's tornadoes,"" Miller said. ""My office has made it a top priority to ensure downstate Illinois receives the federal assistance it needs throughout the recovery. My office is here to assist and has been in touch with local officials, first responders, and FEMA."" Miller is traveling to Edwardsville today to survey damage with emergency management officials and her office will hold mobile office hours at the Edwardsville Public Library to assist constituents with federal services. EDWARDSVILLE MOBILE OFFICE HOURS Dates: December 15, 16 & 17 Time: 1:00PM-4:00PM CT Location: Edwardsville Public Library - Presentation Room Address: 112 South Kansas Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025 The Emergency Declaration was requested for the following Illinois counties to receive assistance in the response to extensive tornado damage: Bond, Cass, Champaign, Coles, Edgar, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Greene, Grundy, Iroquois, Jackson, Jersey, Kankakee, Lawrence, Livingston, Logan, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Montgomery, Morgan, Moultrie, Pike, Sangamon, Shelby, Tazewell, and Woodford. The severe weather led to 6 fatalities from the collapse of an Amazon warehouse in Edwardsville, Illinois along with more widespread community damage in the region. ""Please join me in prayer for all the families affected by this tragedy so close to Christmas,"" said Miller. ""Let us ask that the Lord surround us with His grace and peace, and preserve us through the aftermath of this storm. May He lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of His new creation."" Full text of the letter is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-khanna-grijalva-announce-legislation-repeal-fossil-fuel-subsidy,"Quigley, Khanna, Grijalva Announce Legislation to Repeal Fossil Fuel Subsidy for Enhanced Oil Recovery",2021-12-13,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), member of the House Committee on Appropriations, Ro Khanna (CA-17), Chair of the House Oversight Subcommittee on the Environment, and Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), Chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, introduced the End Polluter Welfare for Enhanced Oil Recovery Act to repeal a tax giveaway that enables the fossil fuel industry to profit off capturing carbon emissions and using them to increase oil production. The version of Build Back Better that was passed by the House did not include any of the domestic fossil fuel subsidies repeal passed by the Senate Finance Committee earlier this year. But the transition to a clean energy future relies on eliminating the special privileges that the fossil fuel industry currently enjoys over other industries. The End Polluter Welfare for Enhanced Oil Recovery Act would reform one of the largest domestic fossil fuel subsidies, The Tax Credit for Carbon Sequestration (Section 45Q). Right now, fossil fuel companies receive a tax credit for injecting carbon dioxide into oil wells to extract more oil, a process known as enhanced oil recovery (EOR). In the United States, of all carbon captured, 95% is used for EOR. This means increased oil and gas production, more pollution and additional costs for American taxpayers. Just this one subsidy is predicted to amount to $7.8 billion dollars over the next ten years. The public should not be on the hook for increasing the profits of the fossil fuel industry. ""The American people do not want to subsidize oil and gas production with their hard-earned tax dollars. We are living every day with a warming climate that has been largely caused by increased fossil fuel emissions. We should be encouraging oil and gas companies to move to clean energy sources, not subsidizing their continued mining of fossil fuels. I'm proud of the steps this bill takes to correct the tax code and properly align incentives with a clean energy future,"" said Rep. Quigley. ""Using carbon capture as an excuse to continue drilling for oil is not a climate change solution,"" said Rep. Ro Khanna. ""It's our responsibility here in Congress to expose the fossil fuel subsidies in our tax code and work to end them. Unlike when they were first created, these subsidies no longer create jobs. Instead, they undermine efforts to tackle the climate crisis. I'm proud to introduce this bill to end one of the biggest fossil fuel subsidies and set us on the path to a clean energy economy."" ""The American people are tired of giving handouts to the oil and gas industry and demand real action on climate change,"" said Rep. Grijalva. ""Rather than subsidize companies trying to squeeze the last drops of profit out of wells past their expiration date, we need to do everything in our power to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and limit carbon pollution. I'm proud to cosponsor this bill, and I look forward to enacting reforms to our tax code that incentivize real emissions reduction, not more drilling and pollution."" ""We need to transition off fossil fuels, not double down on subsidies for oil drilling. Repealing these fossil fuel handouts is the right thing to do for our climate and communities who are seeing their air and water poisoned by this destructive industry,"" said Jim Walsh, Senior Energy Policy Analyst, Food & Water Watch. ""Subsidizing the oil and gas industry to capture carbon dioxide and use it for extracting still more oil is a colossal waste of public resources, and makes no sense in the context of global climate catastrophe,"" said Basav Sen, Climate Justice Project Director, Institute for Policy Studies. ""A tax credit for enhanced oil recovery is a subsidy to drill more oil. We're in a deep hole addressing the climate crisis, and the first thing we need to do is stop digging. This bill is a example of the real climate leadership we need to get us out of this mess,"" said Collin Rees, Senior Campaigner, Oil Change International. ""Zero Hour endorses this legislation because at a time when climate disasters continue to become more commonplace, it is simply unacceptable for tax dollars to continue subsidizing the industry that continues to cause climate change and environmental destruction,"" said Zanagee Artis, Co-founder, Zero Hour ""Grassroots American Indians and Alaskan Natives in our Indigenous Environmental Network are demanding to stop any provisions in the Build Back Better Act that would allow subsidies for Enhanced Oil Recovery. EOR is not a low carbon oil and will result in a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Climate change and global warming is real in Native lands that is becoming a life and death situation for many of our people,"" said Tom B.K. Goldtooth, Executive Director, Indigenous Environmental Network ""The climate clock is ticking quickly. The urgent necessity of a transition away from fossil fuels is self-evident. In the bleak light of the worsening climate crisis, why give taxpayer money away to oil and gas companies to support an industry practice - Enhanced Oil Recovery - that forces the last drops out of a fossil fuel well? What possible policy goal can be served by undermining and counteracting the movement away from fossil fuels to renewable wind and solar energy? Why in the world would we pay these companies to further poison our air, water, soil and future? It is long past time to stop the subsidies for this destructive practice and invest in a clean, sustainable future,"" said Michelle Deatrick, Chair, DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council. The full list of organizations that have endorsed the End Polluter Welfare for Enhanced Oil Recovery Act include: Food & Water Watch, Greenpeace USA, Sierra Club, Sunrise Movement, Climate Justice Alliance, Our Revolution, Indigenous Environmental Network, Friends of the Earth, Oxfam America, Evergreen Action, Zero Hour, Institute for Policy Studies Climate Policy Program, Progressive Democrats of America, DNC Environment and Climate Crisis Council, Earthworks, Grassroots Global Justice Alliance, Oil Change International, Great Plains Action Society, U.S. PIRG, Environment America, and the Center for International Environmental Law.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-millers-statement-widespread-tornado-damage,Congresswoman Miller's Statement on Widespread Tornado Damage,2021-12-11,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"OAKLAND, Ill. - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) issued the following statement on tragic storms that raced across the Midwest last night. “I am heartbroken to see the widespread tornado damage throughout Illinois, Arkansas, Missouri, Tennessee, and Kentucky,"" Miller said. ""We pray for all the families affected by this tragedy so close to Christmas, and we thank the first responders who have been on the scene throughout the night. My office is here to assist and has been in touch with local officials, first responders, and FEMA. During this time, please consider how you can pray, give blood, volunteer & support the tornado victims, their families, and communities in Illinois and across the Midwest. I pray that the Lord will surround us with His grace and peace, and preserve us through the aftermath of this storm. May He lift up those who have fallen, strengthen those who work to rescue or rebuild, and fill us with the hope of His new creation.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-legislation-to-crack-down-on-notario-fraud-0,Foster Introduces Legislation to Crack Down on “Notario” Fraud,2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) and Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL) announced introduction of the Protecting Immigrants from Legal Exploitation Act. The legislation would create penalties for those who provide fraudulent immigration legal services; allow immigrants who are victims of fraud to have their cases reconsidered under certain circumstances; and create grant programs to educate immigrants on how to avoid legal service fraud and to assist qualified non-profit organizations in providing immigrants with legal services. Fraudulent immigration services have not been effectively curbed by existing federal, state, and local efforts. In many Latin American countries ""notario"" or ""notario público"" refers to state-appointed lawyers. However, in the United States, a notary only has the authority to witness and certify legal documents. This linguistic discrepancy can expose many recent immigrants, particularly those from Latin American countries, to the risk of fraudulent immigration legal services. ""It's an unfortunate reality that immigrants are often exploited by fraudsters when they seek legal services,"" Foster said. ""Not only do ‘notarios' exploit immigrants for money, but their fraudulent services can result in well-meaning immigrants being deported and unable to return legally. We must take action to stop these predators from exploiting vulnerable immigrants who are trying to play by the rules of our immigration system."" ""Fraud schemes targeting immigrant communities, particularly when it comes to those in need of legal services, have been a serious problem in almost every state in this country, including in Florida. Too often, those who knowingly prey on immigrants by taking advantage of systemic vulnerabilities—a lack of affordable legal services, the complexity of immigration laws, language barriers, and unfamiliarity with the U.S. legal system—not only interfere with individuals' right to due process, but also do not face appropriate accountability for their actions,"" said Rep. Ted Deutch. ""This important bill will crack down on fraud schemes targeting immigrants in need of legal services, strengthen criminal penalties for people involved in those fraud schemes, and help equip immigrant communities with the tools to be aware of their rights."" A copy of the legislation is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-levin-grijalva-statement-uyghur-forced-labor-prevention-act,"Schakowsky, Levin, Grijalva Statement on Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act",2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – This week, Congressional International Workers' Rights Caucus leaders Reps. Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Andy Levin (MI-09), and Raul Grijalva (AZ-03) applaud the passage of H.R. 1155, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, by a vote of 428-1, to combat labor and human rights abuses committed by the People's Republic of China (PRC) government in Xinjiang. They issued the following joint statement: ""As leaders of the International Workers' Rights Caucus, we understand that the infringement of labor and human rights anywhere is a threat to these fundamental rights everywhere. For too long, we have watched in horror as the PRC systematically seeks to destroy the Uyghur people, including through the use of imprisonment, forced labor, torture, and forced sterilization. We have seen the satellite imagery of factories being built at internment camps. We have heard from courageous survivors, their family members, researchers, and international advocacy groups about the atrocities occurring at these camps. They have explained how PRC government authorities use threats of violence, forcible drug intake, physical and sexual abuse, and torture to force detainees to work in adjacent or off-site factories or worksites, producing garments, carpets, yarn, food products, building materials, solar power equipment, consumer electronics, bedding, hair products, cleaning supplies, personal protective equipment including face masks, and more. And we know that these products are finding their ways into businesses and homes around the world – including the United States. This is unacceptable. ""This week, Congress took action and passed H.R. 1155, the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, and we were proud to be part of that effort. This critical legislation will prohibit the importation of goods made with forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region by creating a 'rebuttable presumption' that all goods produced in the region are made with forced labor unless U.S. Customs and Border Protection certifies that they were not. This bill is an important step to ensuring that products made with forced labor do not make it into global supply chains and our country. We and our fellow members of the International Workers' Rights Caucus look forward to continuing this important work to end forced labor in Xinjiang and to protect and strengthen labor rights around the world.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-us-secretary-energy-granholm-visit-fermilab-highlight-local-impact,"Underwood, U.S. Secretary of Energy Granholm Visit Fermilab, Highlight Local Impact of Federal Investments",2021-12-10,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WEST CHICAGO – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14), a member of the House Appropriations Committee, joined U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm on a tour of the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory near Batavia, Illinois. In Congress, Underwood has consistently fought to gain resources for Fermilab. In a House-passed funding bill for Fiscal Year 2022, she secured over $7 billion dollars for the Department of Energy's Office of Science, which funds research and infrastructure at National Laboratories including Fermilab. Underwood invited Secretary Granholm to Fermilab to show her the impact that these critical investments will have on northern Illinois' economy. Underwood secured investments in the Department of Energy to ensure Fermilab can continue to conduct groundbreaking scientific research and attract world-class physicists, engineers, and other experts to Illinois. ""Investments in research infrastructure are investments in our future—and they're investments that pay off,"" said Underwood. ""From cutting-edge neutrino science to STEM education, Fermilab's work is critical to ensuring Illinois remains a world leader in research and innovation. I was proud to show Secretary Granholm Fermi's tremendous contributions and highlight how federal investment in research and innovation creates good-paying jobs in the 14th and throughout the country."" Last year, the Department of Energy selected Fermilab to lead one of the Department's five new National Quantum Information Science Research Centers. The funding is part of the U.S. National Quantum Initiative, which invests over $1 billion in awards to artificial intelligence and quantum information science research institutes. Additional investments from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Build Back Better Act will expand funding for 12 existing Department of Energy Research, Development, Demonstration, and Deployment programs, like Fermilab.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-applauds-bidens-executive-order-further-net-zero-emissions-goals,Casten Applauds Biden’s Executive Order to Further Net Zero Emissions Goals,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement after President Biden issued his Executive Order to reduce federal emissions, decrease PFAS exposure, and build a climate and sustainable-focused workforce. Specifically, it directs the federal government to leverage its portfolio of 300,000 buildings, fleet of 600,000 cars and trucks, and annual purchasing power of $650 billion to transition federal infrastructure to vehicles and buildings powered by carbon pollution-free electricity: ""I'm glad to see President Biden continue to show leadership on reducing our federal government's emissions footprint by issuing this transformational Executive Order. His commitment to a carbon free future will be essential to ensuring the private sector and other nations follow suit,"" said Rep. Casten. The Executive Order will reduce the Federal Government's greenhouse gas emissions by 65 percent by 2030, and mandates a net-zero emissions building portfolio by 2045, including a 50 percent emissions reduction by 2032. ""The Executive Order builds on my provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act to drastically reduce emissions across the entire federal government. I'm thrilled to see this progress I've fought for since I came to Congress applied across our government where we can use our scale and procurement power to rapidly address the threats posed by climate change,"" said Rep. Casten. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) worked hand in hand with the Council on Environmental Quality to ensure the Executive Order involved a whole-of government effort to tackle the climate crisis in a way that creates well-paying jobs, grows industries, and makes the country more economically competitive. Importantly, the Executive Order also directed the federal government to orient its procurement and operations efforts in line with climate and safety principles, including prioritizing the purchase of sustainable products, such as products without added perfluoroalkyl or polyfluoroalkyl substances. On December 6, 2021, Rep. Casten joined over 30 Democratic Members of the House of Representatives urging the Executive Order to end unnecessary exposures to these toxic forever chemicals. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-casten-votes-strengthen-supply-chain-bolster-capacity-american-exports,"Rep. Casten Votes to Strengthen Supply Chain, Bolster Capacity for American Exports",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) voted to strengthen the overseas supply chain and bolster exports from American businesses with H.R. 4996, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act. This is the latest legislative action that the Democratic House is taking to fix the supply chain struggles that are impacting American consumers and businesses. ""Supply chain snags are hurting Illinois families and businesses: inflicting higher costs, added delays and more shortages,"" said Rep. Casten. ""That is why I proudly voted for the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which will help iron out bottlenecks in the shipping industry so that families can buy what they need and businesses can get their goods to market. And in doing so, we take an important step to create a supply chain that can unleash American competitiveness for decades to come."" The COVID-19 pandemic has roiled supply chains around the world, creating bottlenecks that have added costs and delays for small businesses and consumers. In the global shipping industry, all major ocean carriers are foreign-based and have not played fair with American exporters and importers during this crisis. As a result, American families have struggled with higher prices and more shortages, while American businesses have found it difficult to get their goods to market for a fair and reasonable cost. The Ocean Shipping Reform Act is the latest legislative action House Democrats are taking to address and remediate these supply chain snags. This bipartisan bill, which represents the first major modernization of the global ocean shipping industry since 1998, will: ensure fairness in ocean shipping by prohibiting ocean carriers from unreasonably refusing to transport American cargo; strengthen the overseas supply chain by combating unfair and disruptive business practices by shipping companies; and bolster the Federal Maritime Commission so that it has the resources to hold wealthy shipping companies accountable. The National Retail Federation yesterday wrote in support of this legislation: ""While the bill cannot solve all current supply chain disruption issues, it will go a long way to address some of the core issues that existed well before the COVID-19 pandemic."" This vote is the latest action Democrats have taken to address and remediate supply chain problems. In November, the House passed the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which secured $17 billion in new funding for ports and waterways. Democrats also included an additional $5 billion in the House-passed Build Back Better Act to identify and resolve critical supply chain vulnerabilities that imperil our national and economic security. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/con-la-temporada-de-vacaciones-en-pleno-apogeo-los-representantes-garcia-y,"Con la Temporada de Vacaciones en Pleno Apogeo, los Representantes García y Cohen, los Senadores Markey y Blumenthal Reintroducen Legislación para Detener las Altas Tarifas de las Aerolíneas",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"La Ley de Tarifas Justas prohibiría a las aerolíneas cobrar tarifas excesivamente altas por servicios básicos como equipaje documentado, selección de asientos y cambios de boletos. WASHINGTON, DC - El Congresista Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) y el Congresista Steve Cohen (TN-09), el Senador Edward J. Markey (D-MA), el Senador Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), hoy reintrodujeron la Ley para Prohibir a las Aerolíneas Imponer Tarifas Ridículas (FAIR Fees Act, en inglés). Esta legislación bicameral prohibiría a las aerolíneas cobrar tarifas, incluidas tarifas de equipaje, asientos, cancelación y cambio, que no sean razonables y proporcionales a los costos de los servicios realmente prestados. El proyecto de ley también ordenaría al Departamento de Transporte que revise cualquier otra tarifa impuesta por las aerolíneas, así como que se asegure de que los niños puedan sentarse junto con sus familiares en los vuelos sin cargo adicional. Con demasiada frecuencia, las aerolíneas sorprenden a los viajeros con cargos exorbitantes causados ​​por tarifas inesperadas por servicios básicos de aviación. Este aumento de precios ha crecido exponencialmente como práctica comercial durante la última década. En 2019, el último año completo antes de que la pandemia del coronavirus interrumpiera los viajes aéreos, las aerolíneas de todo el mundo recaudaron $109.5 mil millones en ingresos por tarifas complementarias, casi cinco veces más que $22.6 mil millones en 2010. Ese mismo año, las aerolíneas nacionales de EE. UU. recolectaron 5.8 mil millones en tarifas de euipaje y $2.8 por reservaciones de boletos solamente. ""A los pasajeros que vuelan se les está cobrando precios cada vez más altos con el equipaje y las tarifas de cancelación, y es hora de que pongamos a los consumidores en primer lugar. Las familias de la clase trabajadora, especialmente las de comunidades latinas y afroamericanas, se ven afectadas de manera desproporcionada, lo que limita su capacidad para viajar y ver a sus familias"", dijo el Representante García. ""El público que vuela merece algo mejor, especialmente después de que el Congreso proporcionó miles de millones de dólares a través del Programa de Apoyo a la Nómina (PSP) para ayudar a las aerolíneas y sus empleados a sobrevivir a la pandemia. La Ley FAIR Fees protegerá a los consumidores de los exagerados precios corporativos y garantizará que las aerolíneas no abusen del pueblo estadounidense solo para aumentar sus ganancias"". ""Con demasiada frecuencia, los viajeros me informan sobre tarifas poco razonables por cambios de horario o tarifas de equipaje que parecen no coincidir con el costo real probable para las aerolíneas por brindar el servicio. Ya es hora de que tengamos una evaluación objetiva de esas tarifas con la expectativa de que se reduzcan o eliminen. El público que vuela no merece nada menos "", dijo el Representante Cohen. ""A medida que reconstruimos mejor a partir de la pandemia, es hora de reducir las crecientes tarifas de las aerolíneas que cuestan un centavo a los viajeros aéreos"", dijo el Senador Markey. ""Las aerolíneas no deberían poder estafar a los pasajeros solo porque necesitan registrar un par de maletas o cobrar una tarifa adicional para que los padres puedan sentarse con sus hijos. No debería costar más cancelar o cambiar la reservación de una aerolínea que el costo original del boleto, punto. Durante esta temporada navideña, cuando tantos ven a sus seres queridos por primera vez desde que comenzó la crisis de salud pública, debemos finalmente poner fin a este aumento de precios y devolver la justicia a los cielos. Por eso estoy tan orgulloso de liderar esta importante legislación de protección al consumidor y agradezco a mis colegas su asociación "". ""En una temporada navideña de donaciones, las aerolíneas están cobrando nuevamente, a través de tarifas altísimas que deben ser puestas a tierra. Esta legislación acabará con las tarifas astronómicas que cobran las aerolíneas "", dijo el Senador Blumenthal. ""Cada año, las aerolíneas se embolsan decenas de miles de millones de dólares estafando a los viajeros simplemente por registrar el equipaje, cambiar una reserva o simplemente seleccionar sus asientos. Se necesita una acción urgente para proteger los bolsillos de los consumidores de los precios excesivos de las aerolíneas. Me enorgullece unirme a mis colegas en este esfuerzo bicameral para evitar que los viajeros se queden sin dinero innecesariamente "". Puede encontrar una copia de la Ley FAIR Fees AQUÍ. Los copatrocinadores originales de la Ley de Tarifas Justas en el Senado incluyen a los senadores Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) Y Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). En la Cámara de Representantes, los copatrocinadores originales incluyen a los representantes André Carson (IN-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Bobby L.Rush (IL-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jan Schakowsky (IL- 09), Mark Takano (CA-41), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03) y Ro Khanna (CA-17). La Ley FAIR Fees está respaldada por Consumer Reports, National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Action, Travelers United, Business Travel Coalition y U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). ""Consumer Reports aplaude a los Senadores Markey y Blumenthal y a los Congresistas Cohen y García por seguir luchando contra los incesantes abusos de las aerolíneas hacia pasajeros a través de todas estas tarifas adicionales"", dijo William J. McGee, Asesor de aviación para Consumer Reports. ""Durante más de dos décadas hemos estado destacando la falta de transparencia para los consumidores, mientras que las aerolíneas continúan implementando tarifas nuevas y más altas, que incluyen cobrar a las familias para poder sentarse con sus hijos pequeños. Ya es hora de que se haga justicia "". ""El Congreso rescató a la industria de las aerolíneas con decenas de miles de millones de dólares del dinero de los contribuyentes"", dijo John Breyault, vicepresidente de Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud for the National Consumers League. ""Es hora de que las aerolíneas paguen al público que vuela deshaciéndose de sus escandalosas tarifas de una vez por todas. La Ley FAIR Fees haría precisamente eso, al requerir que las aerolíneas cobren tarifas que sean justas y razonables"". ""Las tarifas de cancelación, cambio y equipaje de los boletos de avión están fuera de control. Consumer Action se complace en apoyar la reintroducción de la Ley FAIR Fees para proteger a los viajeros de las aerolíneas de las tarifas excesivas"", dijo Linda Sherry, Directora de National Priorities, Consumer Action. ""Es absolutamente irrazonable que los consumidores deban pagar tarifas ridículamente altas por el equipaje de mano, por sentar a los padres con sus hijos o cuando cambian los planes de viaje. Consumer Action apoya incondicionalmente la Ley FAIR Fees para hacer que las tarifas de las aerolíneas sean razonables y proporcionales "". ""Las tarifas adicionales de las aerolíneas deben ser transparentes y justas"", dijo Susan Grant, Directora de Protección y Privacidad del Consumidor de la Federación de Consumidores de Estados Unidos (Consumer Federation of America). ""Los pasajeros no deben ser asaltados cuando necesitan cambiar sus planes o no pueden colocar su equipaje en un espacio superior cada vez más pequeño"". ""Cuando el Departamento de Transporte se niega a hacer su trabajo para proteger a los pasajeros y se confabula efectivamente en la fijación de precios de tarifas adicionales, el Congreso debe intervenir con las leyes"", dijo Charlie Leocha, presidente de Travelers United. ""Desafortunadamente, Travelers United se encuentra en una situación en la que casi un año después de un cambio de administración, debemos acudir al Congreso para tomar medidas y evitar que las aerolíneas cobren tarifas exorbitantes e irrazonables. Sabemos que el Congreso no puede fijar precios. Sin embargo, puede y debe establecer reglas que resulten en tarifas comprensibles y razonables para cualquier servicio de aviación "". ""Las tarifas de las aerolíneas se han salido de control"", dijo Jacob van Cleef, asociado de Consumer Watchdog de U.S. PIRG. ""Las tarifas imponen cargas innecesarias a los consumidores, olvidándose del sentido común. Es hora de proteger a los consumidores con la Ley FAIR Fees"". # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/holiday-travel-season-full-swing-reps-garcia-and-cohen-senators-markey-and,"With Holiday Travel Season in Full Swing, Reps. García and Cohen, Senators Markey and Blumenthal Reintroduce Legislation to Stop Sky-High Airline Fees",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The FAIR Fees Act would prohibit airlines from charging unreasonably high fees for basic services like checked bags, seat selection, and ticket changes WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA.), and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT.), today reintroduced the Forbidding Airlines from Imposing Ridiculous (FAIR) Fees Act. This bicameral legislation would prohibit airlines from charging fees – including bag, seating, cancellation, and change fees – that are not reasonable and proportional to the costs of the services actually provided. The bill would also direct the Department of Transportation to review any other fees imposed by airlines, as well as ensure that children can sit together with their family members on flights at no additional charge. Too often, airlines blindside travelers with exorbitant charges at checkout caused by unexpected fees for basic aviation services. This price gouging has grown exponentially as a business practice over the last decade. In 2019 – the last full year before the coronavirus pandemic disrupted air travel – airlines worldwide collected $109.5 billion in ancillary fee revenue, up nearly fivefold from $22.6 billion in 2010. That same year, U.S. domestic airlines collected $5.8 billion in baggage and $2.8 billion in ticket reservation fees alone. ""Flying passengers are being price gouged with ever rising baggage and cancellation fees and it's time we put consumers first. Working class families, especially those from Latino and Black communities, are disproportionately affected, limiting their ability to travel and see their families,"" said Representative García. ""The flying public deserves better, especially after Congress provided billions of dollars through the Payroll Support Program (PSP) to help airlines and their employees survive the pandemic. The FAIR Fees Act will protect consumers from corporate price gouging and ensure that airlines don't nickel and dime the American people just to increase their profits."" ""All too often, travelers tell me about unreasonable fees for schedule changes or baggage fees that appear out of line with the likely true cost to the airlines for providing the service. It's past time that we have an objective assessment of those fees with the expectation that they will be reduced or eliminated. The flying public deserves nothing less,"" said Representative Cohen. ""As we build back better from the pandemic, it's time to ground rising airline fees that costs air travelers a pretty penny in the skies,"" said Senator Markey. ""Airlines should not be able to bilk passengers just because they need to check a couple of bags or charge an extra fee so parents can sit with their kids. It should not cost more to cancel or change an airline reservation than the original cost of the ticket, period. During this holiday season – when so many are seeing their loved ones for the first time since the public health crisis began – we must finally end this price gouging and return fairness to the skies. That's why I'm so proud to lead this important consumer protection legislation, and I thank my colleagues for their partnership."" ""In a holiday season of giving, airlines are again taking—through sky-high fees that must be grounded. This legislation will end astronomic fees levied by airlines,"" said Senator Blumenthal. ""Every year, airlines pocket tens of billions of dollars by swindling travelers for simply checking bags, changing a reservation, or just selecting their seats. Urgent action is needed to protect consumer pocketbooks from airline price gouging. I'm proud to join my colleagues in this bicameral effort to prevent travelers from being needlessly nickel-and-dimed."" A copy of the FAIR Fees Act can be found HERE. Original co-sponsors of the FAIR Fees Act in the House of Representatives, original co-sponsors include Representatives André Carson (IN-07), Barbara Lee (CA-13), Bobby L. Rush (IL-01), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Mark Takano (CA-41), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03) and Ro Khanna (CA-17). In the Senate, it includes Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.). The FAIR Fees Act is endorsed by Consumer Reports, National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer Action, Travelers United, Business Travel Coalition, and U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG). ""Consumer Reports applauds Senators Markey and Blumenthal and Congressmen Cohen and Garcia for continuing to fight the good fight against the airlines' incessant nickel-and-diming of passengers through all these back-end add-on fees,"" said William J. McGee, Aviation Adviser for Consumer Reports. ""For more than two decades we've been highlighting the lack of fare and fee transparency for consumers, while airlines continue rolling out new and higher fees, including charging families for being able to sit with their young children. It's past time for fairness."" ""Congress bailed out the airline industry with tens of billions of dollars of taxpayers' money,"" said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud for the National Consumers League. ""It is time that the airlines' to pay the flying public back by getting rid of their outrageous fees once and for all. The FAIR Fees Act would do just that, by requiring the airlines to charge fees that are fair and reasonable."" ""Airline ticket cancellation, change and bag fees are out of whack. Consumer Action is pleased to support the reintroduction of the FAIR Fees Act to protect airline travelers from fee gouging,"" said Linda Sherry, Director of National Priorities, Consumer Action. ""It's utterly unreasonable that consumers must ante up ridiculously high fees for carry-on bags, for seating parents with their children or when travel plans change. Consumer Action wholeheartedly supports the FAIR Fees Act to make airline fees reasonable and proportional."" ""Add-on airline fees should be transparent and fair,"" said Susan Grant, Director of Consumer Protection and Privacy, Consumer Federation of America. ""Passengers shouldn't be gouged when they need to change their plans or can't fit their baggage into ever-shrinking overhead space."" ""When the Department of Transportation refuses to do its job to protect passengers and effectively colludes on ancillary fee pricing, Congress must step in with laws,"" said Charlie Leocha, President of Travelers United. ""Unfortunately, Travelers United finds itself in a situation where almost a year after a change in administration, we must go to Congress to get action and to restrain airlines from charging exorbitant, unreasonable fees. We realize that Congress cannot set prices. However, it can and should set rules that will result in understandable and reasonable fees for any aviation services."" ""Airline fees have gotten out of control,"" said Jacob van Cleef, Consumer Watchdog Associate with U.S. PIRG. ""The fees put unnecessary burdens on the consumers while forgoing common sense. It's time to protect the consumers with the FAIR Fees Act."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-congressional-ukraine-caucus-urge-biden-increase-defense,"Quigley, Congressional Ukraine Caucus Urge Biden to Increase Defense of Ukraine",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) and the Congressional Ukraine Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Marcy Kaptur (D-OH), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Andy Harris (R-MD), and 18 additional Members of Congresssent a letter to President Joe Biden calling on his administration to impose sanctions on Nord Stream 2 and provide greater defensive assistance to Ukraine. The letter comes in direct response to a buildup of Russian troops near the Ukrainian border in recent weeks and amid increased concerns about a potential Russian invasion. The members write, in part, ""As one of our strongest partners in the region, we must work to preserve Ukraine's future as a free state. Therefore, it is crucial that your Administration provide Ukraine increased defensive military assistance – including air defense and anti-ship systems – as well as to fully sanction the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and its operator Nord Stream AG, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russia's Gazprom."" The members continued, ""To maximize deterrence, it is critical that at least some military aid - Stingers, Javelins, drones, and anti-ship missiles - are provided immediately. The Ukrainian state must be equipped with the tools necessary to defend itself and the region against Russian aggression."" A copy of the final letter is available HERE and the full text of the letter is below: Dear President Biden, As members of the United States House of Representatives, we write to express our deep concern and growing alarm at increasing Russian hostilities on NATO's eastern flank. Thank you for your efforts to publicly reassure Ukraine and develop a joint response with our European allies and partners. As one of our strongest partners in the region, we must work to preserve Ukraine's future as a free state. Therefore, it is crucial that your Administration provide Ukraine increased defensive military assistance – including air defense and anti-ship systems – as well as to fully sanction the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and its operator Nord Stream AG, which is a wholly owned subsidiary of Russia's Gazprom. We applauded the recent unanimous passage of mandatory sanctions against Nord Stream AG in the House FY22 NDAA and strongly supported their inclusion in the final conferenced bill. As you well know, Russia has significantly increased its aggression toward Central and Eastern Europe in its efforts to undermine transatlantic security. Its military buildup along the Ukrainian-Russian border – the second of this year – is reminiscent of the actions it took before its 2014 illegal war and occupation of Ukrainian territories. On Monday, November 29th, Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko announced joint military drills with Russia. The Kremlin has clearly helped to manufacture a European energy crisis to coerce our allies to complete the Nord Stream 2 pipeline and undermine democratic institutions. Over successive Administrations through decades, Congress has served as the backbone of support for Central and Eastern Europe. The Congressional Ukraine Caucus was pleased to welcome Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for his inaugural visit to the U.S. Capitol. President Zelenskyy thanked the Caucus for its efforts to increase security assistance to Ukraine. Congress has also increased development assistance to counter the scourge of corruption in that nation, especially the entrenched corruption networks maintained by domestic oligarchs. To counter Russia's clear and ongoing weaponization of energy, Congress has voted three times on an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis to place sanctions on Nord Stream 2. We strongly urge your Administration to immediately institute sanctions against Nord Stream AG. Your Administration must use all tools to deter Russia from taking further action against Ukraine, including economic sanctions. Congress has a strong bipartisan record on protecting European energy security. We will continue to use future legislative vehicles to protect Central and Eastern Europe from Russian manipulation. We appreciate the Administration's efforts to rally the transatlantic community diplomatically to support Ukraine's territorial integrity, and the previous provision of $60 million in security assistance to Ukraine earlier this year. To further deter Russian aggression, we urge the Administration to provide Ukraine with defensive lethal assistance including air defense and anti-ship systems in close consultation with our NATO allies on the eastern flank. To maximize deterrence, it is critical that at least some military aid - Stingers, Javelins, drones, and anti-ship missiles - are provided immediately. The Ukrainian state must be equipped with the tools necessary to defend itself and the region against Russian aggression.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/reps-robin-kelly-cicilline-barbara-lee-langevin-pascrell-morelle-mfume,"Reps. Robin Kelly, Cicilline, Barbara Lee, Langevin, Pascrell, Morelle, Mfume, Panetta Introduce Federal Firearm Licensee Act",2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin L. Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,robinkelly,https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (D-IL), Vice Chair of the House Gun Violence Prevention Task Force, led introduction of the Federal Firearm Licensee Act. Thislegislation would update sections in the U.S. Code directed at federal firearms licensees (FFLs) that have been undermined by not only rogue dealers, but also by advances in technology that have vastly outpaced the federal government’s regulatory response to them. Reps. David Cicilline (D-RI), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Jim Langevin (D-RI), Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), Joe Morelle (D-NY), Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Kweisi Mfume are original co-sponsors of the legislation. “One of the best things we can do to stop gun violence is to eliminate gun trafficking. Thousands of illegal guns flow into Chicago, and all of Illinois, from surrounding states each year. Those guns go on to account for more than 50% of the firearms used in the commission of crimes in Chicago. Enough is enough,” said Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL). “I’m introducing the Federal Firearms Licensee Act to hold rogue dealers accountable and ensure that we are able to adequately respond to the gun trafficking that is contributing to the deadly gun violence epidemic. This legislation proposes commonsense security and gun sale tracing policies to ensure that FFLs are not contributing to the flow of guns into our communities.” “Our current background check system has far too many loopholes – allowing unregulated sales of firearms to people who are not meant to own guns under our current laws and preventing transparency of who owns these weapons,” said Congressman David Cicilline (D-RI). “This comprehensive package is what we need to plug these holes and ensure that all licensed firearms dealers are playing by the rules, and that our laws are keeping up with current technology. I’m proud that this bill includes provisions of my bill, the Fire Sale Loophole Closing Act, to prevent gun dealers who lose their licenses from converting their unsold firearms to personal inventory, which enables them to then sell this inventory without conducting background checks. I applaud my friend and colleague Congresswoman Kelly for her work on this bill.” “Nearly 40,000 Americans lose their lives to gun violence each year, and many of the weapons involved come from rogue dealers who have largely been insulated from the law. Access to illegal firearms perpetuates the daily gun violence we experience in low income and communities of color,” said Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). “Strong regulation of firearms dealers is essential to ending the epidemic of gun violence in this country. I’m proud to support Representative Kelly’s comprehensive bill to address the supply side issues around gun violence and prevent them from falling into the hands of dangerous individuals. “Irresponsible gun dealers must be held accountable for their illegal activities, such as falsifying records, failing to implement adequate security measures, or selling firearms without a background check. These practices contribute to the gun violence epidemic in the United States, putting all Americans at risk,” said Representative Langevin (D-RI). “This legislation brings together solutions, including provisions from the Keeping Gun Dealers Honest Act, that will give ATF the tools they need to crack down on gun dealers who break the law. I thank Representative Kelly for leading this important legislation, and I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House to pass this bill.” “Across America, we are facing an epidemic of gun violence—yet licensed gun dealers are not required to take even the most basic safety precautions to protect these dangerous weapons from falling into the wrong hands,” said Congressman Joe Morelle (D-NY). “I have long been an advocate for action to hold firearms dealers accountable and stem the tide of gun trafficking, so I'm proud to sponsor this legislation which includes provisions of my Gun Theft Prevention Act. I am grateful for the partnership of Rep. Kelly as we work together to better protect our communities from the devastation of gun violence.” “Americans would be appalled at the state of crime gun tracing in America today,” said Rep. Pascrell (D-NJ), co-chair of the Congressional Law Enforcement Caucus. “Because of an anachronistic law imposed at the behest of the NRA, the ATF is literally banned from using computers to trace firearms used in crimes. Our simple change in this legislation, based on my Crime Gun Tracing Modernization Act, will help prevent crime, will save lives, and will create needed efficiency by finally bringing ATF crime gun tracing into the 21st century. After decades of being hamstrung by extremist NRA policies, the ATF must be given the authority to do its job. I thank Congresswoman Kelly for leading the way to finally passing the commonsense firearms reform Americans cry out for every day.” “Right now, the ATF is fighting rogue gun dealers with one hand tied behind its back — which is just how the gun lobby designed it,” said John Feinblatt, president of Everytown for Gun Safety. “Rep. Kelly’s bill would give the ATF the tools it needs to hold irresponsible gun dealers accountable for putting profit ahead of public safety.” “Keeping guns out of the hands of those who are legally prohibited from owning them isn't only commonsense, it saves lives — and that's exactly what this bill will help do,"" said Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action. ""We're proud to stand in strong support of Rep. Kelly's legislation to close loopholes in the Federal Firearm Licensee system and bring these regulations into the 21st century."" “While gun violence is a complex, public health crisis, we know that addressing the flow of firearms into communities is a proven and effective way to stop gun violence from ever occurring,” said Brady: United Against Gun Violence President Kris Brown. “The Federal Firearm Licensee Act takes this supply-side approach to stopping guns from flooding communities and driving gun violence, particularly in Black and Brown communities that bear the disproportionate impact of this crisis. This bill will improve oversight of federally licensed firearm dealers and decrease the flow of firearms into the criminal market. These are common-sense solutions that will save lives. Brady thanks Rep. Kelly for introducing this common-sense and important bill to stop gun violence at the source.” This legislation expands the applicability of federal firearms laws to “facilitators” of firearm sales, such as sellers at gun shows and on online marketplaces, which, in several states, are currently permitted to host large commercial marketplaces that allow for the transfer firearms to purchasers without first initiating a background check to determine whether the buyers are prohibited under applicable state and/or federal law. The bill also modernizes regulations for existing FFLs by: Requiring physical security measures to prevent firearm theft; Clarifying the standards by which licensed dealers, and their employees, are assessed for purposes of license issuance and renewal; Repealing long-standing Appropriations Riders that have impeded enforcement of existing law by barring the ATF from using funds to require licensed dealers to conduct physical firearm inventories and prohibiting the public disclosure of firearms trace data; and Increasing record retention and electronic data management and sharing for background checks. The Federal Firearm Licensee Act is endorsed by Everytown for Gun Violence, Moms Demand Action, Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, and Community Justice Action Fund.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/buffalo-grove-5th-grader-designs-congressman-schneider-s-2021-holiday-card,Buffalo Grove 5th Grader Designs Congressman Schneider’s 2021 Holiday Card,2021-12-09,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"DEERFIELD, Ill. — Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) today announced that Lucille Holloway, a 5th grader at Prairie Elementary School in Buffalo Grove, designed the winning artwork for his 2021 office holiday card. Schneider asked for holiday card submissions from Tenth District students illustrating the theme ""Time Together."" Congressman Schneider's 2021 office holiday card design ""Lucy's beautiful artwork shows the many ways we can spend time together this holiday season, especially after the last holiday season spent apart. My hope is that Lucy's creativity will inspire all of us to come together in health, happiness and peace this holiday season,"" said Schneider. Buffalo Grove fifth-grader Lucy Holloway, who designed Congressman Schneider's 2021 holiday card As a 10 year old and 5th grader at Prairie Elementary in Buffalo Grove, Lucy enjoys horseback riding, playing her violin, reading, and of course, creating art in her free time. At school, she is proud to be part of the student government with her favorite subjects being writing and art class. Lucy also finds herself busy at home with her older brother, Caleb and younger siblings, Rebecca and Micah. She dreams of owning her own horse someday and has even bigger hopes of one day leading others toward protecting and caring for our planet. Lucy wishes all her friends, family, and neighbors a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. Schneider will meet with Lucy and her family next week to congratulate her.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://bost.house.gov/2021/12/bost-votes-to-strengthen-national-security-provide-pay-raise-for-troops,"BOST VOTES TO STRENGTHEN NATIONAL SECURITY, PROVIDE PAY RAISE FOR TROOPS",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) last night joined the majority of House members in passing the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislation provides a pay increase for our men and women in uniform, reverses President Biden’s defense spending cuts, and funds the deployment of the National Guard to protect America’s border with Mexico. “Our servicemembers swore an oath to protect our nation, and it is Congress’s solemn duty to provide them with the resources they need to successfully complete their missions,” said Bost. “As a Marine and the representative for over 22,000 men and women who live or work at Scott Air Force Base, I was proud to vote to provide our servicemembers with the full resources they deserve. Now more than ever, the United States must show strength in the face of foreign adversaries that wish to do us harm. To do that, we must fully fund our military.” Key Provisions in the NDAA: Authorizes a 2.7% pay increase for servicemembers and provides nearly $1.5 billion to improve servicemember family housing Reverses President Biden’s cuts to defense funding – restoring funding for shipbuilding, procurement, readiness, and missile defense Prohibits DoD from dishonorably discharging servicemembers that refuse the COVID-19 vaccine and requires DoD to establish uniform standards under which servicemembers may be exempted from receiving the vaccine Holds the Biden Administration accountable for its disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan: Requires a series of reports to Congress on the number of American citizens, aircraft, vehicles, and weapons left behind in Afghanistan, threats posed by Al Qaeda and other terrorists operating in Afghanistan, and financial assets and resources available to the Taliban Prohibits DoD from providing any financial support to the Taliban Limits the Biden Administration’s ability to lift sanctions on Iran Strengthens national security by continuing funding for the deployment of the National Guard to the border Fully funds measures to counter China and Russia’s influence around the world ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-host-secretary-granholm-illinois-clean-energy-innovation-tour,CASTEN TO HOST SECRETARY GRANHOLM FOR ILLINOIS CLEAN ENERGY INNOVATION TOUR,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, December 9th through Friday, December 10th, U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm will visit Illinois for a Clean Energy Innovation Tour highlighting how the historic climate investments of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and President Biden's Build Back Better Agenda will help lower energy costs and generate good-paying, union jobs. In Illinois, Secretary Granholm will be joined by Governor J.B. Pritzker and U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Bobby Rush (IL-01), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14) to tour Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory. In August, Casten hosted White House Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy for a Climate Innovation Tour highlighting the imperative for federal investments in climate and clean energy in the Midwest—from job creation, to public health and environmental justice. After joining Speaker Pelosi for the COP26 UN Climate Summit in Glasgow, Casten - who spent two decades as a clean energy entrepreneur and engineer before coming to Congress - continues to lead his Democratic colleagues in the fight to ensure that Congress builds on the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act signed into law in November by passing the Build Back Better Act with clean energy investments at the scale scientifically necessary to combat the climate crisis and ensure Illinois is positioned to lead at the forefront of clean energy innovation and economic opportunity. ***Media Must RSVP by 5:30 PM EST on Wednesday, December 8, 2021*** Friday, December 10th Tour of Fermilab National Accelerator Laboratory with Governor Pritzker, U.S. Representatives Sean Casten (IL-06), Bill Foster (IL-11), Bobby Rush (IL-01), and Lauren Underwood (IL-14). Batavia, IL. Address provided upon RSVP. Press check-in at 10:15 AM GMT. Event begins at 11:00 AM GMT. ***Media must RSVP by 5:30 PM EST on Wednesday, December 8, 2021***",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://lahood.house.gov/2021/12/lahood-davis-announce-183d-air-wing-base-project-included-in-final-ndaa,"LaHood, Davis Announce 183d Air Wing Base Project Included in Final NDAA",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted last night in favor of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Rep. LaHood joined Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13) to announce that the final FY2022 NDAA passed out of the U.S. House of Representatives with a project request they made jointly for $10,200,000 for the 183d Wing of the Illinois National Guard based in Springfield. The funding would be used to construct a base civil engineer complex. More detailed information on the project can be found here. The project was requested by Illinois National Guard Adjutant General Major General Richard Neely and has the approval of the Department of Defense. It also had the support of Springfield Mayor Jim Langfelder and Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport Executive Director Mark Hanna. “I am proud to support the FY22 National Defense Authorization Act, which includes critical funding to help build and upgrade the Base Civil Engineer Complex for the Illinois Air National Guard 183rd Wing in Springfield. The men and women in the 183rd deserve up-to-date resources to continue providing exceptional emergency response and support services,” said Rep. LaHood. “On top of key funding for Illinois, this bill makes certain that all of our military personnel get the support they need, makes America safer, and sends a strong message to our adversaries around the globe. We face ever-evolving 21st-century threats, and as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, I’ll continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the men and women who serve in Illinois and throughout our Armed Forces have the resources they need.” “The NDAA is critical, must-pass legislation that funds our military and makes the necessary investments to keep our country safe from our adversaries and other global threats. This year’s NDAA includes important provisions, such as a pay raise for our troops, increased military funding, new resources to combat terrorism and hold China accountable, a review of the outdated Selective Service System, social media protections for our troops, prohibitions on DOD giving dishonorable discharges to troops who decline the COVID vaccine, and much more,” said Rep. Davis. “I’m also excited to announce with Congressman LaHood that the FY22 NDAA includes funding for a project request we jointly made for the 183d Air Wing Base in Springfield. Our troops here in central Illinois deserve to have a proper facility to meet their maintenance and preparedness needs. This project would support their important mission. I’m glad that both parties came together to reach an agreement on the NDAA because politics should never interfere with our national defense and security. We must never allow our military to be defunded.” Related: LaHood, Davis Announce 183d Wing Base Project Included in House-Passed NDAA LaHood, Davis Announce 183d Wing Base Project Included in Committee-Passed NDAA ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-fortenberry-legislation-find-treatments-als-passes-house,"Quigley, Fortenberry Legislation to Find Treatments for ALS Passes House",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act (ACT for ALS) – legislation led by U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05) and Jeff Fortenberry (NE-01) – passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support. ACT for ALS would help people living with ALS get early access to promising treatments and help researchers gain a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. ""Today, I proudly cast my vote for the ACT for ALS. I did this on behalf of every American who has ever been touched by ALS and for every advocate who has tirelessly fought to expand treatment. It has been my honor to help lead this legislation in the House, so that people living with ALS can access promising treatments and put us closer to one day finding a cure. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Senate to get this bill over the finish line and on the President's desk,"" said Quigley. ""While an ALS diagnosis has long been considered a death sentence, in this moment we can all join my friend Brian Wallach, who likes to say, ‘Not today, ALS.' No, definitely not today."" ""Today, the U.S. House of Representatives did something truly miraculous: it gave real hope to those suffering from the cruel, merciless disease of ALS. For over 50 years and over 50 clinical trials, ALS patients have submitted themselves to tests and trials, therapies and placebos, in accordance with the rules of the current health care policy framework. But progress has been uneven, even debatable, with serious impediments to promising new treatments. Many ALS patients have sacrificed their lives to science, as they gradually weakened and died. Today, with over 330 cosponsors, we advanced a new way,"" Fortenberry said. ""ACT for ALS represents a monumental shift for those suffering from ALS and other neurodegenerative conditions. The bill does two main things: it transforms the paradigm of disease research and regulation and creates a new pathway to promising new treatments. It drives the hope. With this transformative piece of public policy, we can break through faster for those who have suffered so much,"" Fortenberry added. The legislation passed with bipartisan support from 423 Members of Congress and now heads to the Senate for consideration, where it is led by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE), co-chair of the Senate ALS Caucus, and Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK). ""I'm excited to see our colleagues in the House pass this necessary legislation at the same time that we reach a critical milestone of support in the Senate,"" said Senator Coons. ""ACT for ALS will create critical new programs to improve coordination and collaboration on ALS, support additional research, and help more patients access promising investigational therapies."" ""Today's passage of ACT for ALS by the House of Representatives is historic. Today's passage is historic because it is the result of an unprecedented grassroots advocacy campaign by the ALS community, including many people living with ALS and fighting to end this 100% fatal disease. Today's passage is historic because this bill will reshape ALS research and more importantly provide access to promising ALS treatments for people living with ALS who have been left to die for far too long. Today's passage is historic because of the overwhelming bipartisan support for this bill, starting with the leadership of Reps. Mike Quigley and Jeff Fortenberry,"" I AM ALS Co-Founder Brian Wallach said. ""Now, Senate, pass ACT for ALS so it can become law and make hope real for people living with ALS now."" ""The ALS community urgently needs new therapies to be developed, approved and made accessible to people with ALS,"" said Calaneet Balas, President and CEO of The ALS Association. ""While we pursue new treatments and cures for ALS, we need to make it livable. To do that we must dramatically expand the number of clinical trials for ALS drugs while at the same time support expanded access to promising new investigational drugs outside of clinical trials. The ACT for ALS Act achieves this balance in purpose and funding. We thank Representative Quigley and all House sponsors, and urge swift passage in the Senate."" ""Today's passage of the ACT for ALS in the House of Representatives is a monumental step forward for ALS and rare neurodegenerative disease research and access to promising therapies"", said Paul Melmeyer, Muscular Dystrophy Association's VP of Public Policy and Advocacy. ""MDA is grateful for Congressmen Quigley and Fortenberry's unwavering support, House leaders who prioritized passing this bill, and the patient advocates who spent countless hours pushing for this legislation."" Earlier today, Quigley spoke on the floor in support of ACT for ALS. Video of his remarks is available HERE and his remarks as prepared for delivery are below: Madam Speaker, I rise today because everything is impossible. Until it isn't. And nothing has a cure—until it does. Madam Speaker, I rise today to urge my colleagues to support the ACT for ALS. Today, people diagnosed with ALS are expected to live only two to five years. During that time, they progressively lose the ability to use their limbs, to speak, to swallow, and ultimately to breathe. Being diagnosed with ALS is a death sentence —For now. After my friend Brian Wallach was diagnosed with ALS an odds-defying four years ago, he made ending the disease the fight of his life. ""Not today, ALS,"" he frequently says. Not today. Madam Speaker, ALS is NOT incurable. It's just that we have not fully committed to finding a cure yet. Not like my friend Brian has. And not like Brian's wife Sandra has, or like the organization they founded, I AM ALS has. ACT for ALS will give people living with ALS access to promising treatments and improve the research infrastructure we need to one day find a cure. Cruelly, up to 90 percent of people living with ALS are ineligible for clinical trials. For people with such an aggressive disease to have neither an effective FDA-approved treatment nor access to promising drugs is a tragedy. ACT for ALS will help correct this. I'd like to thank my 331 colleagues who have cosponsored this bill, Chair Pallone, Subcommittee Chair Eshoo, and their staffs for standing with the ALS community. I also want to extend a thank you to Congressman Fortenberry, my co-lead on this bill, who has pursued our shared goal with relentless dedication—and to my staffers Allison Jarus and David Steury, who have gone above and beyond in pursuit of this legislation. To every member who has not yet cosponsored this bill: you can still be a hero to people living with ALS by voting in favor of ACT for ALS today. Madam Speaker, passing this bill is not a Congressional achievement. It is the achievement of a community of advocates all around the country who are fighting for their own lives, the lives of their loved ones, and the lives of everyone who is affected by ALS. In addition to Brian and I AM ALS, I want to thank the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the ALS Association for their dedication to passing this bill. And every advocate – of whom there are far too many to name – who has worked toward this achievement. ALS may rob people of their physical ability to speak. But make no mistake, this community has made themselves heard. It is their will that has brought us to today's vote. And where there's a will – there's a way. Where there's consensus – there can be progress. Where there is funding – a cure will follow. Today belongs to the tireless advocates, to the families of people with ALS, and to every American living with the disease.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/icymi-rep-robin-kelly-speaks-first-ever-white-house-maternal-health-day,"ICYMI: Rep. Robin Kelly Speaks at First Ever White House Maternal Health Day of Action, Invites Cook County Resident to Participate",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin L. Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,robinkelly,https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congresswoman Robin L. Kelly (IL-02) attended Vice President Harris’ first-ever Maternal Health Day of Action at the White House. Congresswoman Kelly invited Cook County resident Anntoinette “Toni” Brown to participate and speak about her tragic experience with the maternal mortality crisis. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Congresswoman Alma Adams, (D-NC), Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Chiquita Brooks LaSure, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services also participated in the event. “It was an honor to attend Vice President Harris’ Maternal Health Day of Action yesterday at the White House. I’ve been working on policies to increase positive maternal health outcomes since first introducing the MOMMAs Act in the 114th Congress. I’m thrilled that provisions of my MOMMAs Act have been included in the Build Back Better Act, and that soon women in every single state will have access to 12 months of postpartum coverage through Medicaid,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “Health equity is one of the most extreme examples of the structural racism that exists in this country. Through the maternal mortality and morbidity crisis, it is plain to see that Black women and women of color in this country do not have the same access to quality, affordable healthcare. The investments provided in the Build Back Better Act will improve health equity for Black women and ensure that the birthing process is a celebratory time for mommas - not a tragedy,” continued Congresswoman Kelly. “Yesterday I shared the heartbreaking story of how I lost my daughter, Arneatrice Brown, to the maternal mortality crisis in 2017,” said Cook County resident Anntoinette Brown. “What was supposed to be one of the happiest days for our family, witnessing the birth of our first grandchild, turned out to be one of the worst. We still don’t know exactly why Arneatrice passed away from birth-related complications. Yesterday’s event was an important opportunity to spotlight the maternal mortality crisis and talk to leaders in Congress about changes we need to see in our healthcare system.” Congresswoman Kelly is a leader on maternal health policy and has worked to improve maternal health outcomes through her positions as Vice Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, a Member of the Committee on Oversight and Reform and as Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust. To read more about Congresswoman Kelly’s longstanding work on maternal health, please click here. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-highlights-health-care-coverage-lgbtqi-community,Schakowsky Highlights Health Care Coverage for LGBTQI+ Community,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Last week, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, joined health care workers and federal partners at Howard Brown Health's Broadway Youth Center to spotlight the clinic's efforts to enroll LGBTQI+ youth in affordable health insurance. LGBTQI+ youth are uninsured at higher rates and the COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated the problem. Expanding access to health coverage under the Affordable Care Act is crucial to ensure LGBTQI+ youth get the care they need. Howard Brown Health's Broadway Youth Center has Navigators on hand to help LGBTQI+ youth in Chicago gain access to key resources and services. During the LGBTQ Week of Action, Broadway Youth Center assisted Chicago's LGBTQI+ youth enroll in affordable health insurance. The Navigators at Broadway Youth Center, like Navigators available across Illinois, provide individualized support and counseling to address the unique needs of each child who enters their door. Recent studies show that individuals who receive in-person assistance with insurance enrollment are roughly twice as likely to successfully enroll in a health plan compared to those who attempted to enroll without any help. ""I am so thankful for the navigators and health care workers at Howard Brown Health's Broadway Youth Center. They have assisted numerous LGBTQI+ youth in our community sign up for health care coverage through the Affordable Care Act. Everyone, no matter sexual identity, gender identity, race, or religion, deserves access to quality health care. We need more safe spaces like Broadway Youth Center,"" said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. ""When you create welcoming spaces, LGBTQI+ youth can access the services they need and can thrive in an environment that they feel socially, emotionally and physically safe and supported. A great example of such a space is Howard Brown Health's Broadway Youth Center, they offer many important services, including dedicated Navigators to enroll LGBTQI+ youth in health coverage. Anyone who needs health care coverage should visit HealthCare.gov today where 4 out of 5 eligible people will be able to find plans for $10 or less per a month after advance payments of premium tax credits. Consumers can select a plan on HealthCare.gov until January 15, 2022 to enroll in a comprehensive, affordable health plans,"" said U.S. Health and Human Services Assistant Secretary for Health, Admiral Rachel Levine. Open enrollment for Affordable Care Act coverage is open through January 15, 2022, but by registering by December 15, 2021, coverage will begin on January 1, 2022. Otherwise, coverage will begin on February 1, 2022. Illinois residents can get matched with Navigators by visiting GetCoveredIllinois.gov. Image Image ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-after-voting-against-defense-spending-bill,Schakowsky Statement After Voting Against Defense Spending Bill,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Schakowsky released the following statement after voting against S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2022: ""I voted against final passage of S. 1605, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) last night. While I supported several important components of this legislation, I could not in good conscience vote for the bill in its entirety. The FY 22 NDAA authorizes a historically high $768.1 billion in new defense spending – an increase of $36.5 billion from last year's authorization and above what the Pentagon requested. This is ten times larger than the defense budgets of the next 10 countries combined. This NDAA does not reflect the best interest of our nation at this moment in time. ""At nearly twice the annual cost of the Build Back Better Act – a bill that will transform this nation by investing in its people, the environment, health care, education, and the work force – the FY 22 NDAA reflects broken budget priorities. It does not take meaningful steps to close the Guantanamo Bay Detention Center, a national embarrassment and an affront to our justice system. It does not curb the 1033 program, which provides military equipment to domestic law enforcement agencies, despite being a priority in the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. It fails to rein in out-of-control executive war powers. It does not end U.S. complicity in the war in Yemen. Finally, it failed to include a critical Defense Spending Reduction Caucus amendment that would save over $76.8 billion by making a 10% topline cut to the defense budget – more than the total budgets of the Centers for Disease Control, the Environmental Protection Agency, the National Parks Service, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development combined. This would have enabled Congress to invest more in basic human needs, instead of wasteful defense spending. ""After multiple endless wars, two years of a devastating pandemic, and an ongoing climate crisis, it is clearer than ever that our greatest security threats have no military solutions. It's time for a change, and today's NDAA is out of touch with our nation's true security needs. That is why I could not support its passage.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-expands-paid-leave-part-national-defense-authorization-act-ndaa,Schneider Expands Paid Leave As Part of National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA),2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act. The bill included an Amendment introduced by Rep. Brad Schneider that would give federal employees two weeks of paid leave specifically to mourn the loss of a child. ""I was proud to help pass the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA demonstrates Congress's bipartisan commitment to national security and our servicemembers and their families who serve and sacrifice in defense of our country. The priorities encoded in the NDAA reflect the shared values of our nation, and I am grateful that, for the first time ever, in this bill Congress is guaranteeing paid leave for the loss of a child for federal employees. This legislation represents the most progressive reform for federal bereavement leave to pass Congress in U.S. history. The death of a child is an unimaginable loss, and I am deeply proud that my amendment will now give grieving parents time off in order to begin the recovery process. Now, we must work to expand this leave for all workers,"" Schneider said. Schneider introduced the bipartisan amendment alongside Rep. Anthony Gonzalez (OH-16). In addition to Schneider's amendment, the Fiscal Year 2022 National Defense Authorization Act: Provides a pay raise for members of the military, strengthens parental leave for caregiving servicemembers, expands access to child care, improves financial security of low-income military members and those with families members living with a disability, protects military communities from PFAS chemicals, strengthens access to health care including mental health care and reproductive care, and combats sexual assault and harassment in the military Combats our adversaries with new tools to deter aggression from Russia and China and action against transnational threats, and supports our allies. Brings our defense into the modern era with an historic 32 percent increase in defense-wide R&D, $2.5 billion to fix aging infrastructure and support security-related R&D, $1 billion in new cybersecurity investments, over $1 billion for artificial intelligence efforts and investments in new partnerships with the private sector and academia, including HBCUs and Minority-Serving Institutions. Makes critical investments to combat climate change and improve Department of Defense energy security Builds on Congress's bipartisan action in passing Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) legislation to provide for the relocation of our Afghan allies and partners, as it authorizes $500 million for this effort, and requires the Secretary of Defense to continue to provide in-depth reports and briefings to Congress on the situation in Afghanistan.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-meeting-epa-administrator-michael-regan-discuss-impacts,Schneider Statement on Meeting with EPA Administrator Michael Regan to Discuss Impacts of Ethylene Oxide,2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) released the following statement after meeting between the bipartisan Ethylene Oxide Task Force, which he founded and co-chairs, and the Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan to discuss the impacts of ethylene oxide (EtO) on communities: ""Today, as Chair of the bipartisan EtO Task Force, I was pleased to be joined by several of our members at a meeting with EPA Administrator Michael Regan. Administrator Regan was a heartfelt listener and demonstrated a commitment to addressing our constituents' concerns about the effects of EtO on our communities. We discussed the need to rebuild public trust in the agency's work to combat the harmful effects of EtO through stronger EPA engagement with impacted communities, especially environmental justice communities like Waukegan. We also agreed that ambient air monitoring must be a central part of the EPA's work going forward. The Task Force and Administrator Regan are all committed to assuring the public that the air they breathe is safe, and we pushed the EPA today to conduct a residual risk review for EtO. I look forward to our continued partnership with Administrator Regan and the EPA to protect the public from the harmful effects of EtO emissions.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/tonight-rep-schneider-host-bilingual-town-hall-bipartisan-infrastructure,"TONIGHT: Rep. Schneider to Host Bilingual Town Hall on Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Build Back Better Act",2021-12-08,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Today, December 8 at 7:00pm, Congressman Brad Schneider will host a bilingual telephone town hall in English and Spanish to discuss the historic bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Investment Act and the Build Back Better Act with constituents. WHAT: Congressman Schneider Hosts Bilingual Telephone Town Hall to Discuss Historic Investments for Working Families WHO: Rep. Brad Schneider (IL-10) WHEN: Wednesday, December 8, 7:00pm",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/castens-clean-energy-provisions-expected-pass-part-house-ndaa-vote-tonight,Casten’s Clean Energy Provisions Expected to Pass as Part of House NDAA Vote Tonight,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Tonight, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (D-IL) will vote to pass the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2022--includingclean energy provisions he introduced and secured. Casten's provisions would require 10% of existing and future military instillations to reach net zero emissions by 2035. It will also require a report on the status of the current DoD energy security goal which aims to have the agency produce or procure not less than 25% renewable energy by 2025. DoD consumes more energy than any other federal agency – roughly sixteen times that of the second-largest consumer in the federal government, the post office. These continued energy-use patterns by DoD increase overall energy costs, constrain DoD's autonomy and self-sufficiency, and leave the agency more vulnerable to the physical impacts of climate change. Casten said, ""Climate change is an urgent and growing threat to our national security. With the Department of Defense consuming 77% of all energy used by the federal government, I am proud to see my provisions to help our military instillations lower their carbon footprint included in tonight's National Defense Reauthorization and will continue fighting to make climate a central consideration of all national security decisions.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-millers-statement-national-defense-authorization-act-2022,Congresswoman Miller’s Statement on the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022,2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) released the following statement on her opposition to the National Defense Authorization Act of 2022. “I was the only Republican member of the Illinois delegation to vote against the Biden Defense Authorization in September, just three weeks after President Biden's disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, because no one had been held accountable for the massive national security failure that cost 13 American service members their lives and brought more than 20,000 unvetted Afghan nationals to US soil. The Biden NDAA included gun confiscation provisions, created a new requirement for teenage girls to register for the military draft, and imposed a federal COVID vaccine mandate on healthy service members, including those who naturally recovered from COVID and have antibodies. Tonight, I was once again the only Republican from the Illinois delegation to vote against the Biden Defense Authorization because to this day, no one in the Biden Administration has been held accountable for the withdrawal in Afghanistan that allowed 5,000 ISIS and al Qaeda prisoners to be released, $85 billion in military equipment to be seized by the Taliban, and 13 service members to be killed. The NDAA still creates a federal vaccine mandate that allows President Biden to discharge healthy active duty service members from my district. The bill also includes leftist Critical Race Theory ""equity"" training requirements for the military that my constituents strongly oppose. I am proud that as a result of hard work by conservatives, the gun confiscation and draft for teenage girls provisions were removed from the bill. I will always oppose radical leftwing policies being rammed through Congress by President Biden, and I will never vote for policies opposed so strongly by the constituents I represent.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-barrag-n-reintroduce-future-generations-protection-act-end-fossil,"Schakowsky, Barragán Reintroduce the Future Generations Protection Act to End Fossil Fuel Expansion and Combat Climate Change",2021-12-07,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON—Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Energy and Commerce Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, and Congresswoman Nanette Diaz Barragán (D-CA), a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, reintroduced the Future Generations Protection Act of 2021. This bill would help ensure a rapid shift away from fossil fuel to clean renewable energy. Specifically, the Future Generations Protection Act would ban greenhouse gas emissions from all new power plants, stop hydraulic fracking, and ban crude oil and natural gas exports. It would also prohibit the Federal Energy Resources Commission from approving new liquified natural gas terminal siting or construction, unless doing so would reduce greenhouse gas emissions. ""The science is clear: we are rapidly running out of time to prevent the worst effects of climate change. Just this year in the United States, we have witnessed a record number of climate and weather disasters due to climate change,"" said Congresswoman Schakowsky. ""During COP26 global leaders were consistently reminded that humanity is at ‘code red' and that to keep 1.5 degrees Celsius within reach countries must significantly reduce emissions. As the second highest emitter of greenhouse gases in the world, it is crucial that the United States lead by example. The Future Generations Protection Act is a critical step in our transition to clean energy and reaching the United States target to reduce emissions by 50 percent below 2005 levels by 2030."" ""I'm proud to join Rep. Schakowsky in reintroducing the Future Generations Protection Act, which recognizes that increasing our dependence on fossil fuels is incompatible with a habitable planet, now and for the future,"" Congresswoman Barragán said. ""Communities of color are hit first and worst by the climate crisis. This year we have experienced record wildfires, reoccurring 100-year floods, extreme drought, heat waves, and stronger storms. As Congress and President Biden work to make record investments in clean energy to reduce pollution and create millions of green jobs, we should reduce fossil fuel infrastructure, not expand it and work against the progress we're poised to make."" ""The urgency of the climate crisis is more obvious than ever, and the most important step we must take is to cut off the supply of fossil fuels as quickly as possible. This bill is the most comprehensive approach to achieving that necessary goal – by stopping fracking, putting a halt to new fossil fuel power plants, and ending the oil and gas exports that deepen global dependence on dirty forms of energy. We thank Rep. Schakowsky and Rep. Barragán for their leadership in introducing this legislation that truly meets the challenge of the climate crisis,"" said Food & Water Watch Policy Director Mitch Jones. ""Unchecked expansion of oil and fracked gas development is putting our climate, our health, and our communities at risk. We have no time to waste in moving away from dirty fossil fuels, and putting a stop to the expansion of oil and gas exports is a critical first step,"" said Kelly Sheehan, Senior Director of Energy Campaigns for the Sierra Club. ""We applaud Representative Schakowsky and Rep. Barragán for their leadership in proposing ambitious action to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy that works for all of us."" The bill is cosponsored by Representatives: Adriano Espaillat, Rashida Tlaib, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Barbara Lee, Jesús ""Chuy"" García, Jared Huffman, Jamaal Bowman, Mondaire Jones, Alan Lowenthal, Cori Bush, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Marie Newman, Grace Napolitano, Jerry Nadler, Jamie Raskin, Zoe Lofgren, Ayanna Pressley, Carolyn Maloney, Ritchie Torres, Darren Soto, and Nydia M. Velazquez. The bill is endorsed by Food & Water Watch, Sierra Club, Oil Change International, Friends of the Earth, Center for Biological Diversity, Zero Hour, Progressive Democrats of America, Earthworks, and Climate Hawks Vote.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-als-legislation-receive-house-vote,Quigley ALS Legislation to Receive House Vote,2021-12-06,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05) shared a statement after House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer announced that ACT for ALS will be considered on the House floor this Wednesday. ACT for ALS, or the Accelerating Access to Critical Therapies for ALS Act, would help people living with ALS get early access to promising treatments and help researchers gain a better understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. Quigley's statement is below: ""I am incredibly grateful to the House Energy & Commerce Committee, who favorably reported the ACT for ALS, and to House leadership for ensuring that the bill finally receives a vote on the floor. For those who are impacted by this disease, there is simply no time to wait. I have been incredibly moved by their stories, their perseverance, and their unflagging optimism in the face of a devastating disease. I cannot wait to stand on the House floor and cast my vote on behalf of every American who has championed this legislation.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://lahood.house.gov/2021/12/lahood-honors-illinois-air-national-guard-brigadier-general-william-robbie-robertson-on-his-retirement,"LaHood Honors Illinois Air National Guard Brigadier General William ""Robbie"" Robertson on his Retirement",2021-12-05,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) spoke on the House Floor this week to honor Brigadier General William ""Robbie"" Robertson on his retirement from the Illinois National Guard. General Robertson, a Peoria native who served as Chief of Staff to the Illinois Air National Guard, was integral in developing the 182nd Airlift Wing into one of the best C-130 units in nation. In his remarks Rep. LaHood said, ""General Robertson was integral in making the 182nd one of the best C130 units in the country. During General Robertson’s time at the 182nd, the unit earned five Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards and nine times reached the highest C-130 Hercules mission capable rates in Air Mobility Command. ""General Robertson is known throughout the Peoria community for his steady leadership and integrity. He is beloved be all those who worked with him and know him, and I want to thank him for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement."" The speech can be viewed here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-takano-introduce-resolution-to-establish-national-3d-printing-day-0,"Foster, Takano Introduce Resolution to Establish National 3D Printing Day",2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. - Today, Representatives Bill Foster (D-IL) and Mark Takano (D-CA) introduced a bipartisan House resolution to establish December 3 as National 3D Printing Day. Representatives Foster and Takano previously introduced this resolution during the 113th, 114th, 115th and 116th Congresses. ""3D printing has spurred drastically cheaper, quicker, greener and more efficient production in bio-technology, food production, and advanced manufacturing. 3D printing technology provides businesses and entrepreneurs in Illinois and across the country with state-of-the-art tools to compete in the world economy and bring new products to life. Technological advancements like 3D printing and American ingenuity must be celebrated and promoted as the future of our modern economy,"" said Foster. ""At a time when technology is rapidly evolving and people are growing more innovative, I'm joining my colleague, Rep. Bill Foster, in introducing a resolution to designate December 3 as National 3D Printing Day. I hope that together, we can celebrate the advancements that 3D printing has enabled us to make and draw attention to the untapped power of this technology. We have the ability to positively impact countless industries, businesses, and organizations, and I am glad to be part of this effort,"" said Rep. Takano. By enabling rapid production of previously impossible, innovative products, 3D printing has the potential to spawn thousands of new businesses in the U.S. and give domestic companies an edge in global markets. The Department of Energy estimates that 3D printing can save 50 percent of energy use compared to more traditional manufacturing processes. Foster and Takano introduced this resolution to honor innovative technologies, such as 3D printing, that have the potential to jump-start post pandemic manufacturing in the United States. Text of the resolution is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-house-government-funding-vote,Quigley Statement on House Government Funding Vote,2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Subcommittee, voted in favor of a continuing resolution to avert a government shutdown. Following the vote, Quigley released a statement: ""This summer, my colleagues and I on the Appropriations Committee wrote government funding legislation that moves our country forward and delivers on families' needs. In the time since, Republicans have refused to come to the table with Democrats and negotiate on an agreement. While I am relieved that we will not be putting the American people through an unnecessary and damaging government shutdown, another short-term solution is simply not good enough. We are still in the middle of a public health crisis and an economic recovery. Our economy needs the certainty provided by new appropriations bills. ""Let me be clear: we must fully fund the government."" Earlier today, Quigley spoke on the House floor about the need for Republicans to negotiate on long-term government funding legislation. Video of Quigley's remarks is available HERE. The text of Quigley's remarks as prepared for delivery is available below. Mr/Madam Speaker, As Chairman of the Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee, I rise today in disappointed support of the second continuing resolution. House Democrats did our jobs and passed government funding bills to create good-paying jobs, support the hard-working middle class, and protect our national security. In September, we voted on a bipartisan basis to extend government funding through December 3 to allow negotiations to finalize legislation to fund the government for the remainder of the fiscal year. Since then, Republicans have refused to negotiate with us on government funding. Disappointingly, that leads us to where we are now, considering another now short-term CR right before the holiday break, when we should have already completed our work. Working families, small businesses, veterans, and our military need the certainty that comes with passing a new appropriations bill as opposed to short-term funding patches. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Sure enough, here we are again having to pass another CR because we can't pass funding bills in a regular manner. There is more than enough time in a year to come to agreement on, and pass, these funding bills. America's friends and enemies around the world are watching to see if our country can continue to function in a changing world. We must show them we can. But this effort requires compromise, as it always has. Republicans must join us for bipartisan, bicameral negotiations to resolve our differences and keep government working for the people. With a new deadline of February 18th, we need Republicans to join us to resolve our differences and keep government working so America can continue to function and lead.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-announces-14th-districts-jensen-coonradt-2021-congressional-app,Underwood Announces 14th District’s Jensen Coonradt as the 2021 Congressional App Challenge Winner,2021-12-03,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WEST CHICAGO - Congresswoman Underwood is pleased to announce Jensen Coonradt as the winner of the 2021 Congressional App Challenge in the 14th District. Now in its seventh year, the Congressional App Challenge is the largest student computer science competition in the country. Coonradt was chosen for her app called ""Tel-Emergency,"" which allows users to live call emergency operators and enter their medical information for when first responders arrive. It also includes translation and hearing-impaired features. Coonradt's goal was to increase emergency response time and effectiveness by routing callers to the closest local emergency department. ""I am inspired by the incredible work Jensen and the other 14th District students have created. I hope they continue their passion in coding and app development – our community and country need future STEM leaders like them,"" said Underwood. ""A quote from Socrates, ‘The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old, but on building the new,' inspired me to solve problems in my community by developing new concepts and creating solutions using STEM,"" said Coonradt. STEM careers are the fastest growing U.S. job industry, but only 16% of working professionals in STEM careers are from diverse backgrounds, with women steadily dropping out of the profession over the last two decades. Through the Congressional App Challenge, Congress seeks to encourage the next generation of students to code and inspire students from all background to pursue careers in STEM. The annual App Challenge aims to seek out the best up-and-coming STEM talent from each district and award most prestigious prize in student computer science and requires middle school and high school students to create and submit their original apps. ""Tel-Emergency,"" the winning app from the 14th District, is expected to be displayed in the U.S. Capitol building, on the U.S. House of Representatives website, and the Congressional App Challenge website. For further information about the Congressional App Challenge, visit /congressional-app-challenge.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-introduces-bipartisan-resolution-to-promote-nuclear-security-and-the,Foster Introduces Bipartisan Resolution to Promote Nuclear Security and the Work of the International Atomic Energy Agency,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) introduced a bipartisan resolution in support of the International Atomic Energy Agency's (IAEA) role in the promotion of nuclear security. The resolution confirms the agency's position as an indispensable organization for international nuclear safety, and it encourages the United States to play an active role to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The House resolution is cosponsored by Reps. Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN), Ami Bera (D-CA), Jim Cooper (D-TN), Jim McGovern (D-MA), Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), John Garamendi (D-CA), Ro Khanna (D-CA), and Rick Larsen (D-WA). Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) has introduced a companion resolution in the U.S. Senate. ""I am proud to join my colleagues in both the House and Senate in this bipartisan initiative to prevent nuclear proliferation,"" Foster said. ""Three decades after the end of the Cold War, nuclear nonproliferation is more important than ever. We must find ways to work together with our international partners to reduce the spread of nuclear weapons and materials. The work of the IAEA reducing and securing these weapons is critical to make the world safer for everyone."" ""Since 1957, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has helped keep families safe around the world by ensuring nuclear energy is not used maliciously or militarily,"" said Senator Luján. ""Given the unique challenges of the 21st century, it's critical that the IAEA is fully funded and supported to ensure their continued success for generations to come."" ""The IAEA plays an indispensable role in maintaining global peace, security, and safety through its support of international nonproliferation and nuclear security, as well as nuclear safety. I am proud to co-sponsor this resolution calling upon my colleagues in Congress to ensure that this vital organization is appropriately resourced to carry out these vital missions,"" said Congressman Chuck Fleischmann. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the organization tasked with verifying that states comply with their commitments under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and other non-proliferation agreements. It was founded in 1957. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-miller-votes-no-vaccine-databases,Congresswoman Miller Votes NO on Vaccine Databases,2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - This week, 80 House Republicans voted with Democrats to pass a bill that would fund vaccination databases if passed by the Senate and signed into law. Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) along with 130 Republicans in the House voted NO on H.R. 550 The Immunization Infrastructure Modernization Act. Specifically, this bill would provide $400 million in taxpayer dollars to fund immunization system data modernization and expansion. These systems can allow providers to keep vaccines and supplies in stock, prevent over – or under – vaccination, remind patients when they are due for a recommended vaccine, and identify areas with low vaccination rates to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines. ""I don’t believe the federal government has the authority to become your doctor,"" Miller said. ""I voted against this legislation because it is a permanent expansion of the federal government into healthcare. The funding authorized under this bill could – and probably will – be sent to states that have some form of vaccine mandate, and there is nothing in the bill preventing this money from being used to enforce vaccine mandates in blue states."" The bill was sponsored by Democrat Rep. Ann Kuster (NH) who stated that the system would be used to “remind patients when they are due for a recommended vaccine” and identify areas with low vaccination rates to “ensure equitable distribution of vaccines.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-sewell-legislation-increase-maternal-vaccination-rates-passes-house,"Underwood, Sewell Legislation to Increase Maternal Vaccination Rates Passes the House with Unanimous Bipartisan Support",2021-12-02,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07)'s legislation to provide critical funding to increase maternal vaccination rates and reduce vaccination disparities has passed the U.S. House of Representatives. The Maternal Vaccination Act is part of Underwood's Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and comes on the heels of the first bill of the ‘Momnibus' being signed into law by President Biden. ""Low vaccination rates put both mothers and babies at risk, so we must work to increase maternal vaccinations during this public health emergency and beyond. I was proud to see the House of Representatives pass Congresswoman Terri Sewell's Maternal Vaccination Act with unanimous bipartisan support—it's a crucial part of my Momnibus package that will protect moms and babies against vaccine-preventable diseases and save lives,"" said Underwood. ""I urge my colleagues in the Senate to pass this bill and other key priorities from the Momnibus and get them signed into law."" ""Today, the House took an important step in our fight to address the nation's urgent maternal health crisis by passing my Maternal Vaccination Act!"" said Sewell. ""We know that the U.S. suffers from the highest pregnancy-related death rate in the developed world with Black women facing disproportionately high maternal mortality rates."" ""By providing funding to increase immunization rates for women and babies from communities with historically low vaccination rates, my Maternal Vaccination Act will help protect our mothers and babies from preventable diseases,"" continued Sewell. ""Passage of this bill brings us one step closer to ensuring that women of every background enjoy equal access to maternal health care."" Underwood's Momnibus legislation includes 12 bills that will grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, including midwives and doulas; invest in community-based organizations working to promote maternal health equity; address social determinants of health like housing, nutrition, and environmental conditions; and expand access to maternal mental health care to ensure that every family in America can thrive. Underwood's Momnibus legislation passed the House of Representatives in the Build Back Better Act and awaits consideration in the Senate. The United States has the highest rate of pregnancy-related mortality among high-income countries, and the only rate that is rising. Maternal mortality rates for Black and Native Americans are 2-4 times higher than rates for white Americans, and Hispanic and AAPI people also experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. The Maternal Vaccination Act will: Establish a Maternal Vaccination Awareness and Equity Campaign at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); Protect moms and babies against vaccine-preventable diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond; and Provide funding to increase immunization rates during and after pregnancy in communities with historically low vaccination rates.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-flies-chicago-washington-dc-first-passenger-flight-using-100,"Casten Flies from Chicago to Washington, DC on the First Passenger Flight Using 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in History",2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Chicago, Illinois – Today, U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (D-IL) flew from Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Washington, DC to celebrate the first passenger flight using 100% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) along with U.S. Congressman Brad Schneider (D-IL) and United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby. The flight operated using SAF, an alternative jet fuel that can provide up to an 80% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions. The right engine used 100% SAF demonstrating the viability of using 100% SAF to achieve an even lower carbon footprint so that airlines can move toward a future of flight with lower carbon emissions. ""Today's flight is a monumental step forward in decarbonizing our airline industry, which accounts for 12% of all transportation related emissions,"" said Rep. Sean Casten. ""Not only was I proud to ensure the inclusion of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit in the Build Back Better Act, but I'm also excited to co-sponsor the Sustainable Skies Act which will furtherhelpthe aviation sector reach net-zero by 2050. These investments coupled with the $616 million I helped secure for Illinois' airports in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act President Biden signed into law last month will place our state at the forefront of clean energy innovation–positioning us to lead the country as the economic hub of sustainable manufacturing and technology."" You can watch Rep. Casten's remarks from the pre-flight reception by clicking here. As a former clean energy entrepreneur, Casten has been focused on decarbonizing the economy including the transportation sector since coming to Congress. Casten supported the inclusion of a Sustainable Aviation Fuel Tax Credit in the Build Back Better Act, which starts at $1.25 per gallon for blenders that can demonstrate a 50% or greater lifecycle estimate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard jet fuel. When passed by the Senate, this legislation will help reduce aviation emissions, which currently represent two percent of the world's carbon emissions. Additionally, resiliency investments were secured by the Congressman in the Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act (IIJA) signed by President Biden include $25 billion for airport infrastructure improvements across the country, including an estimated $616 million over the next five years for airports here in Illinois. From IIJA airport infrastructure improvements, to Sustainable Aviation fuel tax credits, to securing over $149 million over five years to support the expansion of an electric vehicle charging network in the state, Rep. Casten is committed to ensuring Illinois remains at the forefront of sustainable transportation technology and deployment. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-danny-k-davis-world-aids-day,Rep. Danny K. Davis’ on World AIDS Day,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Danny K. Davis,D000096,davis.house.gov,davis,https://davis.house.gov/media,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – December 1st of every year is the day the world recognize HIV/AIDs and what to do about it. Forty years ago, the nation recognized HIV/AIDS, which has taken its toll on the world, country, and in the State of Illinois. On December 1, 2009, Davis and a group of activists announced the “Red Ribbon Bonus Bucks,” a new quality of life scratch-off lottery ticket. At the time, Illinois had the nation’s seventh-highest number of reported AIDS cases since 1981. HIV.gov reported that in 2020, an estimated 1.5 million individuals worldwide acquired HIV, marking a 31% decline in new HIV infections since 2010. As of 2017, there were 1375 new HIV diagnoses in Illinois, an almost 35% decrease from 2006-2017. In addition, Chicago had 752 new HIV diagnoses, the fewest since 1990. Davis said, “We have made significant progress, but the fact that almost 40,000 people are currently living with HIV in Illinois and HIV.gov reported that there are approximately 37.7 million people across the globe with HIV in 2020, we still have much work to do.” Nationally, the U.S. established the PEPFAR and the Global Fund to continue to support scientific research for the vaccine and treatment. Davis said, “These efforts are inspiring because we can begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. When the United States act, the world benefits.”",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://lahood.house.gov/2021/12/lahood-miller-introduce-the-u-s-trade-leadership-in-the-indo-pacific-and-china-act,"LaHood, Miller Introduce the U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific and China Act",2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Ways and Means Committee Members Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Carol Miller (R-WV) today introduced the U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific and China Act. The bill would provide a blueprint for Congress and the Administration to advance U.S. trade leadership in the Indo-Pacific region and with China through the encouragement of swift passage of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and directing the Administration to make efforts to lead and modernize key trade agreements in the region. The bill also directs the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to articulate a long-term trade plan with China as the initial Phase One Agreement comes to a close. “The United States must be a leader on trade in the Indo-Pacific as China seeks to exert influence in the region and throughout the globe,” said Congressman LaHood. “The U.S. Trade Leadership in the Indo-Pacific and China Act utilizes 21st-century trade tools to strengthen our global competitiveness and ensure the world follows America’s lead, not China’s. I am proud to join my friend and Ways and Means colleague Congresswoman Carol Miller to introduce this legislation which will compel the Biden Administration to act to renew Trade Promotion Authority and outline a long-term economic strategy and report to Congress on further United States engagement with China.” “I’m pleased to work with Congressman LaHood in introducing this important trade legislation,” said Congresswoman Miller. “Our bill compels the Biden administration to accelerate U.S. economic leadership in the critical Indo-Pacific region and to swiftly articulate a comprehensive trade strategy with China. This is necessary to provide clarity regarding America’s presence in the region, as well as a clear-eyed economic plan for the U.S and China—a consequential bilateral relationship that needs careful consideration and vigilance.” Background: Title I: Addresses a Sense of Congress for U.S. trade leadership in the Indo-Pacific. States that the United States should play a sustained role in establishing an open, rules-based trading system in the Indo-Pacific by improving and joining an existing plurilateral trade agreement, such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement on Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), updating existing regional trade agreements, or negotiating new, high-standard trade agreements. Calls to swiftly reauthorize the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA) and directs the President to compel all key Federal agencies to meet upon request with any Member of Congress regarding the Executive Branch’s anticipated or on-going negotiations, as well as to share documents relating to those negotiations, including classified materials, on its evolving Indo-Pacific trade strategy. Title II: States that as Phase One comes to a close, the United States must ensure that China honors every substantive obligation it undertook in that deal. Further, the United States must have clear and long-term strategy for maintaining a balanced trading relationship between our two nations that serves U.S. economic and national security interests. On January 15, 2020, the United States and the People’s Republic of China signed the Economic and Trade Agreement Between the United States of America and the People’s Republic of China, otherwise known as the “Phase One” agreement. This agreement was a critical first step to balance the trading relationship between the United States and China. States that USTR should follow TPA consultation requirements regarding any further trade negotiations with China. Requires USTR to submit a report to Congress that articulates and identifies (1) a long-term trade and economic plan with China that details our progress in combating China’s coercive economic practices; (2) a comprehensive assessment of the current Section 301 tariffs in place against China and their efficacy in combating Chinese forced technology transfers and intellectual property theft; (3) a complete scorecard of China’s compliance with its Phase One commitments; (4) a listing of new enforcement tools that will require China to make further structural reforms; (5) new market access objectives with respect to China; and (6) key sectors in which increased U.S. exports would be mutually beneficial for the United States and China. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/tuesday-rep-kelly-host-telephone-town-hall-infrastructure-deal-and,TUESDAY: Rep. Kelly to Host Telephone Town Hall on Infrastructure Deal and Build Back Better,2021-12-01,2021,2021-12,Democrat,House,IL,Robin L. Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,robinkelly,https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at 7:30PM CST, Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), will host a Telephone Town Hall to discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Build Back Better Act. Constituents will have the opportunity to ask questions and get more information about the legislation. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will help Illinoisans by repairing and rebuilding our roads and bridges; improving healthy, sustainable transportation options; delivering clean drinking water to every American and eliminating the nation’s lead service lines and pipes; connecting every American to reliable high-speed internet; improving our nation’s airports; and preparing our infrastructure for the impacts of climate change. The Build Back Better Act delivers once-in-a-generation action to lower the everyday costs that burden working families – from health care to child care & more – fully paid for by making big corporations & the wealthiest pay their fair share. Constituents can register for the Telephone Town Hall at https://robinkelly.house.gov/live. Media should RSVP by emailing Rachel.kingery@mail.house.gov ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:37:48Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-grijalva-torres-condemn-martial-law-and-human-rights-abuses-in-guatemala,"García, Grijalva, Torres, Condemn Martial Law  and Human Rights Abuses in Guatemala",2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"García, Grijalva, Torres, Condemn Martial Law and Human Rights Abuses in Guatemala The Legislators Urge Secretary Blinken to Demand an End to the State of Exception WASHINGTON, DC — Representatives) Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03, Norma J. Torres (CA-35), Alan Lowenthal (CA-47), Juan Vargas (CA-51), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-15), Rashida Tlaib (MI-13), and Joaquin Castro (TX-20) sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, asking him to publicly condemn and urge the immediate revocation of the State of Exception declared by President Alejandro Giammattei in the municipality of El Estor, Guatemala. The State of Exception gives the military special powers to enforce a strict curfew, conduct arrests and house raids without warrant and suspend basic constitutional guarantees. The Members are deeply concerned that U.S. aid may be supporting human rights violations and the obstruction of democratic processes by the Guatemalan government. ""Maya Q'eqchi' communities in El Estor are unjustly being targeted for defending their land and water from an illegal mining project. We must urge Guatemala's government to end the State of Exception, and ensure that U.S. aid is never used to perpetuate human rights violations,"" said Congressman García. ""The U.S. must take all necessary diplomatic steps to lower the temperature in El Estor, ​call upon the Guatemalan government to end the State of Exception and targeted political violence against indigenous communities, and ensure that our foreign aid is not used in ways that are antithetical to our democratic values,"" said Congressman Grijalva. ""I'm gravely concerned by the situation in El Estor and I urge the State Department to intervene against repression of peaceful protesters under the guise of Guatemala's State of Exception law. I have long fought to ensure our security assistance is not misused against the people it is supposed to be helping. I urge the Department of State and Department of Defense to re-evaluate any support to those involved in the State of Exception and hold those responsible for human rights abuses accountable,"" said Congresswoman Torres. In the letter, the Members urge the Department of State to take the following actions: Publicly affirm that the U.S. respects the rule of law in Guatemala and that the Constitutional Court's ruling suspending the Fenix mine until indigenous communities are consulted regarding its operation must be followed. Reiterate to the Guatemalan government that U.S. donated equipment and U.S. funded or trained personnel must never be used to repress nonviolent demonstrators community members, or support the extraction o f natural resources from indigenous land without local consent including to execute the State of Exception Congress has already stressed this after donated jeeps were used to intimidate CICIG and the U.S. Embassy in 2018 and were assured the U.S. equipment would not be misused. Request the Government of Guatemala provide detailed whereabouts of U.S. donated equipment including jeeps and other vehicles donated for the use of counter narcotics operations, portable fingerprint scanners and biometrics data sharing that may be used to identify indigenous leaders, support for Pegasus and other software used to identify activists and political opposition leaders, or any other direct or indirect support. This information should include the chain of command that allowed U.S. assistance to be used to undermine democratic processes and any other uses that are against the intent and interests of the United States, as well as an acknowledgement of any false statements or misleading facts provided to the United States by Guatemalan officials about this event. Provide specific, detailed information regarding any U.S. coordination with the Guatemalan police, military intelligence units public ministry and any other government divisions involved in the State of Exception. Evaluate any U.S. funding streams or support through International Financial Institutions for the Fenix mine or related projects in the region that support the mine. Evaluate U.S. support and training for the Guatemalan police and military in accordance with human rights conditions placed in the 2021 State and Foreign Operations Appropriations law. We also urge you to fully enforce the Leahy Law, which prohibits assistance to individuals or units of any foreign military or police body that commit gross human rights abuses with impunity. The State Department, including our embassy in Guatemala and the Department of Defense, must take a consistent and public stance supporting those threatened with human rights abuses, and strongly encourage the investigation and prosecution of those perpetuating crimes. We also ask that you immediately block assistance to state agents involved in the State of Exception and related repression in El Estor. The full text of the letter can be found by clicking here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-tlaib-lead-letter-asking-ag-garland-doj-to-intervene-in-donziger-case,"García, Tlaib Lead Letter Asking AG Garland, DOJ to Intervene in Donziger Case",2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Human Rights Lawyer & Environmental Activist Jailed for Taking on Big Oil Polluter Chevron WASHINGTON, DC— Congressman Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) and Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-13) led seven of their colleagues, including Reps. Ayanna Pressley (MA-07), Ilhan Omar (MN-05), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jamaal Bowman (NY-16), Barbara Lee (TX-13), Cori Bush (MO-01), and House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Raul Grijalva (AZ-03), in sending a letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland and the Department of Justice urging intervention and rectification of human rights lawyer Steven Donziger's unprecedented and unjust imprisonment. Dongizer secured a historic $9.5 billion judgement against Chevron on behalf of thousands of indigenous Ecuadorians for its deliberate discharge of 16 billion gallons of toxic waste in the Ecuadorian Amazon and has since been targeted for reprisal by Chevron and its lawyers. He began a six-month prison sentence in October after being subjected to an unprecedented private prosecution lead by Chevron's corporate lawyers stemming from a discovery dispute. ""It is abhorrent that a human rights defender like Steve Donziger sits in jail while corporate polluters like Chevron collect government subsidies. My constituents know how hard it is to hold corporations accountable for hazards they create in our own neighborhoods, and this injustice on the international stage is a tremendous setback for environmental justice,"" said Congressman Jesús ""Chuy"" García. ""The Department of Justice should heed the call of the United Nations and human rights advocates and immediately intervene to release Steve Donziger."" ""That an internationally respected human rights lawyer sits in prison right now while Chevron avoids billions in judgments for intentionally destroying the rainforest is an outrage that highlights just how critical our fight against corporate greed is to our future,"" said Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib. ""Chevron is setting a dangerous precedent that other corporate polluters will follow to avoid responsibility for the devastation they cause, and the DOJ should intervene immediately to rectify this situation or risk endorsing it as a blueprint for turning victims and their lawyers into criminals."" ""For decades, the fossil fuel industry has recklessly and knowingly polluted the air, water, and land of local communities and people who find themselves in the path of corporations seeking profit at the expense of human lives,"" said Congressman Jamaal Bowman. ""Steven Donziger, a respected human rights lawyer, who has bravely supported Indigenous communities bearing the brunt of environmental destruction, is now behind bars because a big oil attorney made it so. This cannot and must not stand. I'm proud to join Representatives Tlaib, Garcia, and others in righting this wrong and requesting that Attorney General Garland take immediate action to regain control of this case, ensure Donziger be treated humanely, and secure his release."" The letter was sent on the eve of an appeal hearing in front of the Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, and if Donziger's conviction is affirmed the case will endorse the right of a private law firm to prosecute and adverse party and human rights lawyer. The Donziger case has outraged the international legal community and a coalition of 56 Nobel Prize Laureates and organizations, including Amazon Watch, have issued statements condemning the biased proceedings and demanding his immediate release. The United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention also issued a scathing opinion this September slamming the deprivation of Mr. Donziger's liberty as a violation of international law and the trial against him as failing international fair trial standards. ""President Biden attended the UN COP26 Climate Conference this month as his administration expands its commitment to addressing the climate crisis,"" the lawmakers wrote. ""The entire world is watching whether our actions will match our words. Meanwhile, an esteemed U.S. human rights attorney is being unjustly imprisoned by our very own courts in violation of international law, not for some real harm he did, but for protecting his vulnerable clients and his ability to serve them from the one of the most toxic companies the world has ever seen. When the UN and international environmental and human rights communities repeatedly call for immediate action, the Biden administration must not remain silent."" ""The Biden administration can't claim to believe in the importance of climate action, much less climate justice, if it is unwilling to defend the rights of frontline communities and their advocates holding the fossil fuel industry accountable,"" said Paul Paz y Miño, Associate Director at Amazon Watch. ""Steven Donziger was targeted by Chevron because he helped win a massive judgement on behalf of Indigenous peoples and Amazonian communities. The United Nations has demanded Biden secure Donziger's release and investigate this trend of corporations using the U.S. judicial system to target and silence activists. It's incredibly important that these nine Members of Congress are joining with the UN, the human rights community, and the people harmed by Chevron to demand justice."" Congressman García and many other cosigners of the letter previously rallied for Donziger's release in front of the US Capitol.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-trahan-introduce-ftc-whistleblower-act-protect-consumers,"Schakowsky, Trahan Introduce FTC Whistleblower Act To Protect Consumers",2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, was joined by Congresswoman Lori Trahan (D-MA) in introducing the FTC Whistleblower Act of 2021. The bill would protect whistleblowers who disclose wrongdoing at their current and former employers who fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Disclosure could include unlawful violations of consumer protection and anti-trust laws and regulations. This act would protect whistleblowers from retaliation and incentivize their reporting. ""Whistleblowers risk their livelihoods to bring truth to light and help safeguard the public from corporate wrongdoing,"" said Congresswoman Schakowsky. ""Recent events have again proven how indispensable whistleblowers are to our society, to democracy, and to American families. That is why today my colleague Representative Trahan and I take action to support whistleblowers. The FTC Whistleblower Act of 2021 will help the Commission to take bold action against wrongdoers by protecting whistleblowers from retaliation for their bravery and incentivizing the disclosure of unlawful activity that harms American consumers."" Congresswoman Trahan added, ""Time and time again, whistleblowers have proven key in uncovering information critical to protecting consumers. As the Federal Trade Commission works to investigate harmful behavior by massive corporations, it's important that the agency offers safeguards to protect and incentivize potential whistleblowers, as is standard with several other investigatory agencies. I'm proud to join with Chairwoman Schakowsky to introduce the FTC Whistleblower Act of 2021, which will enable the Commission to establish these essential standards and bolster its important work."" ""Whistleblowers play an essential role in exposing waste, fraud, and misconduct that directly impacts consumers,"" said Melissa Wasser, policy counsel, Project On Government Oversight. ""Establishing a whistleblower award program at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will incentivize whistleblowers to come forward with tips and protect those whistleblowers from retaliation. POGO thanks Representative Schakowsky and her team for their commitment to protect whistleblowers at the FTC by mirroring best practices within this new award program. This legislation ensures more whistleblowers will come forward with important disclosures that will strengthen consumer protection."" On Tuesday, Frances Haugen, the Facebook whistleblower, will testify before the Communications and Technology Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. Haugen came forward through the Securities and Exchange Commission, which provides protections for whistleblowers, and was possible because Facebook is a publicly traded company. The FTC Whistleblower Act will ensure that more whistleblowers are able to come forward and be protected. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/president-biden-signs-first-bill-underwoods-historic-momnibus-legislation-law,President Biden Signs First Bill in Underwood’s Historic ‘Momnibus’ Legislation into Law,2021-11-30,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) celebrated President Biden signing the first bill of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act into law today at a White House bill signing ceremony. The Protecting Moms Who Served Actis one of 12 bills in the sweeping Momnibus package introduced by Underwood to eliminate preventable maternal mortality and advance birth equity across the United States. Enacting theProtecting Moms Who Served Actis a historic investment to address the unique risk factors facing veterans during and after their pregnancies. ""I am so proud that my bill, the bipartisan Protecting Moms Who Served Act, was signed into law by the President today—the first bill in my Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act to be become law,""said Underwood.""This is a historic investment to provide our veterans with the world-class maternal health care they've earned – and it's just the beginning. I'm thrilled that every single one of the eligible provisions of my Momnibus legislation, along with a permanent expansion of postpartum Medicaid coverage, were included in the Build Back Better Act that passed in the House of Representatives - we have the momentum to get this done and I'm more motivated than ever to see this entire package enacted."" ""We are excited to see the Protecting Moms Who Served Act signed into law given that this bill supports pregnant and postpartum veterans through maternity care coordination and reporting on racial and ethnic disparities in maternal health outcomes,"" said Angela D. Aina, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Black Mamas Matter Alliance. ""As an alliance committed to maternal health equity, we believe this bill will help to address maternity care barriers experienced by veterans."" ""We applaud Representatives Lauren Underwood (D-IL) and Gus Bilirakis and Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Susan Collins (R-ME) for their leadership in advancing the bipartisan Protecting Moms Who Served Act, the first Momnibus Act bill to head to the President for his signature,"" said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes. ""This legislation will make critical investments that will ensure veterans have access to world-class care and support during and after pregnancy. The bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a maternity care coordination program and provide community maternity care providers with training to address the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum veterans, particularly regarding mental and behavioral health conditions. It also commissions the first-ever comprehensive study on maternal mortality among veterans. With this significant milestone behind us, we now call on Congress to enact the rest of the Momnibus Act. We also urge the Senate to take the next step in making a historic investment in the Momnbus Act by passing the Build Back Better Act without delay."" ""The National Birth Equity Collaborative is elated to see the first bill in the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act be signed into law,"" said Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, Founder and President of the National Birth Equity Collaborative. ""The collection of maternal health data is critical to improving coordinated care for pregnant Veterans. We have so many Veterans and specifically Veterans of color, struggling to navigate the VA healthcare system, so it is important we ensure our Veterans get the help and treatment they need. This bill ensures we do just that. We look forward to seeing more of the Momnibus signed into law."" The Protecting Moms Who Served Act codifies and strengthens maternity care coordination programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs to ensure veterans receive the high-quality maternal health care and support they have earned. The bill also commissions the first-ever comprehensive study of maternal mortality, morbidity, and disparities among veterans. Building on the enactment of the Protecting Moms Who Served Act, every eligible provision of Underwood's Momnibus was included in the Build Back Better Act. The 12 bills in the Momnibus will grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, including midwives and doulas; invest in community-based organizations working to promote maternal health equity; address social determinants of health like housing, nutrition, and environmental conditions; and expand access to maternal mental health care to ensure that every family in America can thrive. Underwood's Momnibus legislation passed the House of Representatives in the Build Back Better Act and awaits consideration in the Senate.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-quigley-jayapal-and-advocates-call-passage-protect-immigration-act,"García, Quigley, Jayapal and Advocates Call for Passage of PROTECT Immigration Act",2021-11-24,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"García, Quigley, Jayapal and Advocates Call for Passage of PROTECT Immigration Act CHICAGO, IL – U.S. Representatives Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Mike Quigley (IL-05), and Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and five organizations are calling for the immediate passage of the PROTECT Immigration Act after the Washington Post published emails revealing that the Trump administration aggressively recruited sheriffs to detain undocumented immigrants. Quigley's PROTECT Immigration Act would end the 287(g) program which, under Trump, allowed ICE to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies for the purposes of enforcing federal immigration law. Earlier this year, the Representatives and more than 50 members of Congress also sent a letter calling on President Biden to follow through on his campaign promise to review and terminate 287(g) agreements. ""Programs like 287(g) are not only racist and cruel but are also ineffective. My city of Chicago was the first sanctuary city in the country because we are a city that welcomes immigrants, and nobody should live in fear of police harassment simply because of their status,"" said Congressman García. ""Immigrants kept our country running during the pandemic, but they are still subject to increased racial profiling, arrests, incarceration, and deportation as a result of this program. To undo the damage anti-immigrant policies have caused in our communities President Biden must keep his promise to review and end programs such as 287(g)."" ""We already knew that the Trump administration spent their four years in office eroding the relationship between law enforcement and their communities and fomenting fear among immigrant communities. This week's revelations show just how aggressively Trump officials pursued that agenda."" said Quigley. ""Congress has an obligation to take every step we can to end the programs that turn local law enforcement into immigration enforcement departments. It's the only way we can return to an immigration system that prioritizes justice over fear."" ""We have long known that the Trump administration aggressively targeted, profiled, and tore apart immigrant communities while cruelly criminalizing those who call America home,"" said Congresswoman Jayapal. ""While we put an end to the Trump administration, we must also put an end to the unnecessary deputization of local and state police departments to enforce outdated immigration law, distracting them from their primary duty of upholding public safety. Doing so will not only make our communities more safe but it will also begin to humanely reform our broken immigration system so it's finally focused on dignity and family unity."" ""For too long, ICE has relied on state and local police to turbo charge a mass deportation agenda. Entanglement with local police tear apart communities, incentivize racial profiling, and replicate the racial disparities of the criminal legal system. President Biden promised to terminate 287(g) agreements and we are still waiting for follow-through on that promise. The PROTECT Act will ensure an end to the use of this harmful program intentionally used by the Trump administration to make our communities less safe for everyone,"" said Nayna Gupta, Associate director of policy at the National Immigrant Justice Center. ""The mass incarceration system in the U.S. has fused with the immigration detention and deportation machine and profited off the suffering of Black, brown and immigrant communities. The threat of detention and deportation at the hands of ICE and CBP was real under Trump, and remains real under the Biden administration, with over one million people deported and expelled since President Biden took office. President Biden made a commitment to end 287(g) and to deliver citizenship to millions of people who live under the constant threat of being torn apart from their loved ones. All year long, immigrant youth have taken action to hold the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress accountable to their promises. Democrats in Congress must pass the PROTECT Act and deliver permanent protections from the threat of deportation to millions of people,"" said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, Senior Policy Manager of United We Dream. Sirine Shebaya, Executive Director of the National Immigration Project, said, ""The 287(g) program, which was aggressively pushed under the Trump administration, exists to further extend the harmful reach of ICE, an agency with a long track record of terrorizing and hurting communities. The program increases racial profiling, accelerates the pipeline to deportation from communities of color, and continues to separate families and break apart communities. To advance racial equity within the immigration and criminal systems, supporting the PROTECT Act and terminating the 287(g) program are critical first steps."" ""New details about the aggressive expansion of the police-to-deportation pipeline by the prior Administration underscores how programs like 287(g) harm the health and safety of immigrant communities. It is past time for the Biden Administration to fulfill its commitments and end 287(g) agreements and other similar programs that entangle local and state police with immigration enforcement. The time to pass the PROTECT Act is now,"" said Sonia Lin, executive strategy director of the We Are Home campaign. ""287(g) agreements promote racial-profiling and criminalization of immigrants living in and contributing to our communities. These partnerships between state and local law enforcement and ICE instill fear and foment distrust between local police and immigrant communities. Passage of the PROTECT ACT will promote safety, security, and trust as well as move us closer to an immigration system that is fair, just and focused on keeping families and communities together,"" said Katherine Greenslade, Managing Attorney at Immigration Legal Services, The Resurrection Project. García, Quigley, and Jayapal have long championed the PROTECT Immigration Act and re-introduced the bill in April of this year.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-advocates-call-passage-protect-immigration-act,"Quigley, Advocates Call for Passage of PROTECT Immigration Act",2021-11-24,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representatives Mike Quigley (IL-05), Pramila Jayapal (WA-07), and Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) and five immigration organizations are calling for the immediate passage of the PROTECT Immigration Act after the Washington Post published emails revealing that the Trump administration aggressively recruited sheriffs to detain undocumented immigrants. Quigley's PROTECT Immigration Act would end the 287(g) program which, under Trump, allowed ICE to enter into agreements with state and local law enforcement agencies for the purposes of enforcing federal immigration law. Earlier this year, Quigley and more than 50 members of Congress also sent a letter calling on President Biden to follow through on his campaign promise to review and terminate 287(g) agreements. ""We already knew that the Trump administration spent their four years in office eroding the relationship between law enforcement and their communities and fomenting fear among immigrant communities. This week's revelations show just how aggressively Trump officials pursued that agenda."" said Quigley. ""Congress has an obligation to take every step we can to end the programs that turn local law enforcement into immigration enforcement departments. It's the only way we can return to an immigration system that prioritizes justice over fear."" ""We have long known that the Trump administration aggressively targeted, profiled, and tore apart immigrant communities while cruelly criminalizing those who call America home,"" said Congresswoman Jayapal. ""While we put an end to the Trump administration, we must also put an end to the unnecessary deputization of local and state police departments to enforce outdated immigration law, distracting them from their primary duty of upholding public safety. Doing so will not only make our communities more safe but it will also begin to humanely reform our broken immigration system so it's finally focused on dignity and family unity."" ""Programs like 287(g) are not only racist and cruel but are also ineffective. My city of Chicago was the first sanctuary city in the country because we are a city that welcomes immigrants, and nobody should live in fear of police harassment simply because of their status,"" said Congressman García. ""Immigrants kept our country running during the pandemic, but they are still subject to increased racial profiling, arrests, incarceration, and deportation as a result of this program. To undo the damage anti-immigrant policies have caused in our communities President Biden must keep his promise to review and end programs such as 287(g)."" ""For too long, ICE has relied on state and local police to turbo charge a mass deportation agenda. Entanglement with local police tear apart communities, incentivize racial profiling, and replicate the racial disparities of the criminal legal system. President Biden promised to terminate 287(g) agreements and we are still waiting for follow-through on that promise. The PROTECT Act will ensure an end to the use of this harmful program intentionally used by the Trump administration to make our communities less safe for everyone,"" said Nayna Gupta, Associate director of policy at the National Immigrant Justice Center. ""The mass incarceration system in the U.S. has fused with the immigration detention and deportation machine and profited off the suffering of Black, brown and immigrant communities. The threat of detention and deportation at the hands of ICE and CBP was real under Trump, and remains real under the Biden administration, with over one million people deported and expelled since President Biden took office. President Biden made a commitment to end 287(g) and to deliver citizenship to millions of people who live under the constant threat of being torn apart from their loved ones. All year long, immigrant youth have taken action to hold the Biden administration and Democrats in Congress accountable to their promises. Democrats in Congress must pass the PROTECT Act and deliver permanent protections from the threat of deportation to millions of people,"" said Juliana Macedo do Nascimento, Senior Policy Manager of United We Dream. Sirine Shebaya, Executive Director of the National Immigration Project, said, ""The 287(g) program, which was aggressively pushed under the Trump administration, exists to further extend the harmful reach of ICE, an agency with a long track record of terrorizing and hurting communities. The program increases racial profiling, accelerates the pipeline to deportation from communities of color, and continues to separate families and break apart communities. To advance racial equity within the immigration and criminal systems, supporting the PROTECT Act and terminating the 287(g) program are critical first steps."" ""New details about the aggressive expansion of the police-to-deportation pipeline by the prior Administration underscores how programs like 287(g) harm the health and safety of immigrant communities. It is past time for the Biden Administration to fulfill its commitments and end 287(g) agreements and other similar programs that entangle local and state police with immigration enforcement. The time to pass the PROTECT Act is now,"" said Sonia Lin, executive strategy director of the We Are Home campaign. ""287(g) agreements promote racial-profiling and criminalization of immigrants living in and contributing to our communities. These partnerships between state and local law enforcement and ICE instill fear and foment distrust between local police and immigrant communities. Passage of the PROTECT ACT will promote safety, security, and trust as well as move us closer to an immigration system that is fair, just and focused on keeping families and communities together,"" said Katherine Greenslade, Managing Attorney at Immigration Legal Services, The Resurrection Project.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-biden-nomination-shalanda-young-omb-director,Quigley Statement on Biden Nomination of Shalanda Young as OMB Director,2021-11-24,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, released the following statement on President Biden's nomination of Acting Office of Management and Budget Director and former Appropriations Committee Clerk and Staff Director Shalanda Young as the permanent Director: ""I have had the pleasure of working with Acting Director Young for many years during her time with the Appropriations Committee and for the last several months at OMB. Through that experience, I can say with confidence that President Biden has selected an experienced, dedicated, and deeply respected leader for OMB. In a time of heightened partisanship, Acting Director Young distinguished herself as a staffer with the Committee by earning the respect of members from both sides of aisle through her wide-ranging knowledge and her ability to build strong relationships. I am certain that her nomination will receive broad bipartisan support in the Senate and I look forward to continuing to work with Acting Director Young to continue our nation's recovery from the coronavirus and to deliver policy priorities that improve the lives of every American.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://bost.house.gov/2021/11/bost-introduces-bill-to-improve-mst-disability-exam-process,BOST INTRODUCES BILL TO IMPROVE MST DISABILITY EXAM PROCESS,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Mike Bost (R-IL) and Troy Nehls (R-TX) recently introduced H.R. 6064, which will improve the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) disability exam process for veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST). It will require VA to partner with the National Academies to complete a comprehensive review of the MST disability exam process. “VA estimates that approximately one in three veteran women and one in 50 veteran men have experienced military sexual trauma,” said Bost. “Following an oversight hearing just last week on MST, it’s clear that there are far too many gaps in the process for serving these veterans. Survivors of military sexual trauma deserve a supportive VA system that works for them. This bill will help Congress determine where the current disability exam process could be strengthened to better serve those who have survived this devastating trauma.” The review would determine: The adequacy of Disability Benefits Questionnaires and the schedule of rating disabilities Whether certain conditions linked to MST should require referral for both a mental health and physical health examination. What credentialling and training are necessary for disability examiners to complete exams related to mental health conditions and physical health conditions linked to MST, such as sexual and pelvic dysfunction, musculoskeletal disabilities (e.g., neck injury), and cardiovascular conditions. The necessity of internal pelvic exams and alternatives if the veteran does not wish or cannot complete such exam. H.R. 6064 would also require the VA to provide the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the Senate Veteran Affairs Committee with a report on any actions they plan to take because of findings and recommendations in the NASEM study. ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-robin-kelly-commends-vice-president-harris-historic-health-equity,Rep. Robin Kelly Commends Vice President Harris’ Historic Health Equity Investment,2021-11-23,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Robin L. Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,robinkelly,https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus Health Braintrust, released the below statement following Vice President Kamala Harris’ announcement of a $1.5 billion investment in diversifying the health care workforce and improving the clinical care available in underserved communities: “I am thrilled that Vice President Harris is devoting a historic $1.5 billion in health equity investments for underserved communities. These awards to the National Health Service Corps, Nurse Corps and Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Recovery programs will diversify our healthcare workforce, address workforce shortages, and expand clinical services available to people living in underserved communities. “Health equity has been at the very core of my work since coming to Congress in 2013. I have long advocated for the benefits of diversifying our healthcare workforce, especially when it comes to improving outcomes for people of color and in the Black maternal mortality crisis. “This funding will come from the Democrats’ American Rescue Plan and strengthen our nation’s healthcare system for years to come. I commend Vice President Harris and President Biden for their work to improve our nation’s health care, and I look forward to the future investments that will be made possible by House Democrats’ transformational Build Back Better legislation.” Details about Vice President Harris’ announcement are available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/representantes-garcia-ocasio-cortez-correa-espaillat-y-meng-envian-carta-al-senado-sobre-la-reforma-migratoria-en-build-back-better,"Representantes García, Ocasio-Cortez, Correa, Espaillat y Meng Envían Carta al Senado sobre la Reforma Migratoria en Build Back Better",2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Representantes García, Ocasio-Cortez, Correa, Espaillat y Meng Envían Carta al Senado sobre la Reforma Migratoria en Build Back Better For an English version of this release click here. WASHINGTON, DC - Hoy, el Representante Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) encabezó una carta junto con los Representantes Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Lou Correa (CA-46), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Grace Meng (NY-06) y 86 miembros adicionales instando al líder de la mayoría del Senado, Chuck Schumer (D-NY), al presidente pro tempore del Senado Patrick Leahy (D-VT) y al presidente del Comité Judicial del Senado, Dick Durbin (D-IL), a restablecer un camino hacia la ciudadanía en la Ley (Build Back Better). Puede encontrar una copia completa de la carta aquí, y una lista de firmantes adicionales se puede encontrar aquí y aquí. ""Aunque este proyecto de ley brinda un alivio urgente para los inmigrantes indocumentados, se queda corto en el camino hacia la ciudadanía por el que he estado luchando y que los inmigrantes merecen. Significa que las familias separadas por décadas pueden finalmente reunirse, los trabajadores pueden hablar en contra de los abusos sin temor a represalias, y los inmigrantes pueden despertarse todas las mañanas con cierta tranquilidad"", dijo el Congresista Jesús ""Chuy"" García. ""Aun así, los inmigrantes que mantienen nuestro país en funcionamiento merecen llamar a los Estados Unidos su hogar. Los demócratas del Senado deben encontrar el valor para ofrecer soluciones permanentes e incluir un camino hacia la ciudadanía en la Ley para Reconstruir Mejor"". ""La Cámara de Representantes aprobó la Ley para Reconstruir Mejor, una legislación histórica. Si bien el proyecto de ley de la Cámara aseguró protecciones y autorización de trabajo para personas indocumentadas, el proyecto de ley no incluye un camino permanente hacia la ciudadanía. Nuestra comunidad ha dejado en claro que esto no es aceptable. A lo largo de estos últimos meses, las familias del Bronx y Queens, así como nuestros defensores de los inmigrantes de base, se han unido e inquebrantable en su mensaje: los demócratas prometieron un camino hacia la ciudadanía, y debemos entregar uno"", dijo la Congresista Alexandria Ocasio Cortez. ""A medida que este proyecto de ley se dirige al Senado, debemos luchar para asegurar que no desperdiciemos esta oportunidad única en una generación. El Senado debe establecer un camino hacia la ciudadanía y finalmente proporcionar a los Dreamers, titulares de TPS, trabajadores agrícolas, y trabajadores esenciales con la estabilidad y el reconocimiento que merecen "". ""Me enorgullece liderar con mis colegas para pedir a los líderes del Senado que incluyan un camino hacia la ciudadanía en la Ley Build Back Better. Si bien las disposiciones sobre inmigración en el proyecto de ley que aprobó la Cámara contribuyen en gran medida a reducir los daños más graves que enfrentan millones de inmigrantes indocumentados, no estamos abandonando esta lucha. Más que eso, estamos argumentando enérgicamente a nuestros colegas que no podemos realmente 'reconstruir mejor' si las personas que harán la reconstrucción se quedan fuera del plan "", dijo el Congresista Lou Correa. ""Los inmigrantes indocumentados han sido la columna vertebral de nuestro país, desde el cultivo de nuestras cosechas, el procesamiento de nuestra comida, el cuidado de nuestros hijos y el cuidado de nuestros ancianos. Sin embargo, han vuelto a ver destrozados sus sueños de convertirse en ciudadanos. A través de nuestros continuos esfuerzos de promoción, estamos diciendo que el momento es ahora. El Senado debe incluir un camino hacia la ciudadanía en la Ley Build Back Better. Hace ocho años, 68 senadores, incluyendo 14 republicanos del Senado, votaron por un camino hacia la ciudadanía para los 11 millones de inmigrantes indocumentados en este país. No tenemos otros ocho años, cinco años, dos años o incluso dos meses para esperar. Instamos a nuestros colegas a comprender el impacto positivo que tendrá un camino hacia la ciudadanía en la economía estadounidense, las familias trabajadoras y las generaciones futuras de estadounidenses. Si bien la Ley para Reconstruir Mejor es un logro monumental, como dijo César Chávez, ""No podemos buscar logros para nosotros mismos y olvidarnos del progreso y la prosperidad de nuestra comunidad"". ""La Ley Build Back Better realiza inversiones históricas en comunidades de todo el país, proporcionando alivio y apoyo inmediatos a las personas y familias trabajadoras"", dijo el congresista Adriano Espaillat. ""Luchamos duro durante las negociaciones para asegurar que las comunidades de inmigrantes no se queden atrás y que se incluyan las personas indocumentadas que han contribuido significativamente a ayudar a nuestra nación a recuperarse. Luego de la aprobación de la Cámara de anoche, ahora instamos a nuestros colegas en el Senado a promover este trabajo restableciendo un camino hacia la ciudadanía para los millones de Dreamers, titulares de TPS, trabajadores agrícolas y trabajadores esenciales que cuentan con que hagamos lo correcto. Entendemos que queda mucho trabajo por hacer en nuestros esfuerzos para arreglar nuestro sistema de inmigración roto, y si nuestra nación se recupera por completo de los desafíos y las interrupciones provocadas por la pandemia de COVID-19, ahora es el momento de proporcionar una reforma integral y garantizar que nuestra comunidad inmigrante este incluida inequívocamente en nuestros esfuerzos de socorro "". ""La aprobación de la Ley Build Back Better fue un logro histórico y monumental que ayuda a tantas familias trabajadoras en Nueva York y en todo el país"", dijo la congresista Grace Meng. ""Pero no podemos olvidar que nuestra lucha continua por los millones de inmigrantes que están esperando un camino hacia la ciudadanía, e insto al Senado a restablecer esta disposición crucial mientras la cámara trabaja en su versión de la legislación. Como dije la semana pasada, la lucha por reconstruir mejor no puede terminar con la aprobación del proyecto de ley por parte de la Cámara. Debemos asegurarnos de que nadie se quede atrás mientras nuestra nación trabaja para recuperarse de la pandemia de COVID-19, y el estatus temporal y las protecciones de inmigración por tiempo limitado no ayudan a los inmigrantes a lograr su oportunidad del Sueño Americano. ¡Debemos hacer esto! "" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/representatives-garcia-ocasio-cortez-correa-espaillat-meng-release-statement-on-immigration-reform-in-build-back-better,"Representatives García, Ocasio-Cortez, Correa, Espaillat, & Meng Release Statement On Immigration Reform In Build Back Better",2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Representatives García, Ocasio-Cortez, Correa, Espaillat, & Meng Release Statement On Immigration Reform In Build Back Better WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Representative Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) led a letter along with Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Lou Correa (CA-46), Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Grace Meng (NY-06), and 86 additional Members urging Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), Senate President Pro Tempore Patrick Leahy (D-VT), and Senate Judiciary Committee Chair Dick Durbin (D-IL) to reinstate a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. A full copy of the letter can be found here, and a list of additional signers can be found here and here. ""Though this bill delivers urgently needed relief to undocumented immigrants, it falls short of the pathway to citizenship that I've been fighting for and that immigrants deserve. It means families separated for decades can finally be reunited, workers can speak out against abuses without fear of retaliation, and immigrants can wake up every morning with some peace of mind,"" said Congressman Jesús ""Chuy"" García. ""Still, immigrants who keep our country running deserve to call America home. Senate Democrats must find the courage to deliver permanent solutions and include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act."" ""The House of Representatives passed the Build Back Better Act — a historic piece of legislation. While the House bill secured protections and work authorization for undocumented individuals, the bill does not include a permanent pathway to citizenship. Our community has made clear that this is not acceptable. Throughout these past few months, Bronx and Queens families, as well as our grassroots immigrant advocates, have been united and unfaltering in their message: Democrats promised a pathway to citizenship, and we must deliver one,"" saidCongresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. ""As this bill heads to the Senate, we must fight to ensure that we do not squander this once-in-a-generation opportunity. The Senate must establish a pathway to citizenship and finally provide Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers with the stability and equal recognition they deserve."" ""I am proud to lead with my colleagues in calling on Senate leadership to include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back BetterAct. While the immigration provisions in the bill the House passed go a long way to reducing the most severe harms that millions of undocumented immigrants face, we are not abandoning this fight. More than that, we are vigorously making the argument to our colleagues that we can't truly ‘Build Back Better' if the people who will do so much of the building are left out of the blueprint,"" said Congressman Lou Correa. ""Undocumented immigrants have been the backbone of our country—from growing our crops, processing our food, taking care of our children, and looking after our elderly. Yet, they have seen their dreams of becoming citizens shattered again. Through our continued advocacy efforts, we are saying the time is now. The Senate must include a pathway to citizenship in the Build Back Better Act. Eight years ago, 68 Senators—including 14 Senate Republicans—voted for a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented immigrants in this country. We don't have another eight years, five years, two years, or even two months to wait. We are urging our colleagues to understand the positive impact a pathway to citizenship will have on the American economy, working families, and future generations of Americans. While the Build Back Better Act is a monumental achievement, as Cesar Chavez said, ‘We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about the progress and prosperity for our community."" ""The Build Back Better Act makes historic investments in communities around the nation, providing immediate relief and support for individuals and working families,"" said Congressman Adriano Espaillat. ""We fought hard during negotiations to ensure that immigrant communities were not left behind and that undocumented individuals who have contributed significantly to helping our nation recover would be included. Following last night's House passage, we now urge our colleagues in the Senate to further this work by reinstating a pathway to citizenship for the millions of Dreamers, TPS holders, farm workers, and essential workers who are counting on us to do the right thing. We understand that much work remains in our efforts to fix our broken immigration system, and if our nation is to fully recover from the challenges and disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, now is the time to provide comprehensive reform and ensure our immigrant communities are unequivocally included in our relief efforts."" ""Passing the Build Back Better Act was an historic and monumental achievement that stands to help so many working families in New York and across the country,"" said Congresswoman Grace Meng. ""But we cannot forget our ongoing fight for the millions of immigrants who are waiting for a pathway to citizenship, and I urge the Senate to reinstate this crucial provision as the chamber works on its version of the legislation. As I said last week, the fight to build back better cannot end with the House's passage of the bill. We must ensure that no one is left behind as our nation works to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, and temporary status and time-limited immigration protections fail to help immigrants achieve their shot at the American Dream. We must get this done!""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://lahood.house.gov/2021/11/lahood-introduces-bill-to-reauthorize-the-abraham-lincoln-national-heritage-area,LaHood Introduces Bill to Reauthorize the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area,2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) introduced the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area Reauthorization Act, which would allow Illinois to continue to promote the important historical, cultural, and recreational opportunities the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA) provides. This legislation would extend the authorization of ALNHA through 2038 and would ensure that the necessary federal resources are available to continue the commemoration and conservation of Lincoln’s life. ""As the Congressman for the 18th District of Illinois, it's an honor to represent parts of Springfield and the same district that Abraham Lincoln did during his one term in Congress,"" said Rep. LaHood. ""The Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area is part of the fabric that makes up central Illinois and it is home to the unique collection of Lincoln history, offering an in-depth look at the life of our 16th president. I am proud to lead this bipartisan effort with my colleagues from Illinois, and I will continue to work in Congress to preserve the legacy of Lincoln."" ""On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage and the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition, I am most grateful to Congressman LaHood and the other members of the Illinois delegation for sponsoring this legislation. We are proud to continue to tell the story of the life and times of Abraham Lincoln in Illinois to promote heritage tourism as an economic driver to the communities we work with. Many of the communities are small and lacking resources. I give the example of one community that saw a 47% increase in local sales tax revenues during tourist season. In addition, the Federal funds we received are matched a minimum of one-to-one at the local level. The Federal dollars help create public-private partnerships that stimulate the local economy."" said Sarah Watson, executive director, the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage and Looking for Lincoln. The ALNHA was designated by Congress in 2008 and works in partnership with the Lincoln Home National Historic Site. Looking for Lincoln acts as the coordinating entity for the 43-county heritage area and partners with communities, organizations, and individuals dedicated to enhancing the communities and landscapes of central Illinois through recognition and support of their significant natural, cultural and historical legacies. Illinois Representatives Rodney Davis (IL-13), Cheri Bustos (IL-17) Sean Casten (IL-6), Mike Bost (IL-12), Mike Quigley (IL-5), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8), Robin Kelly (IL-2), Bill Foster (IL-11), Brad Schneider (IL-10), Booby Rush (IL-1), and Adam Kinzinger (IL-16) are original cosponsors of the bill. Learn more about the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/photo-release-schneider-hosts-steam-scholars-lake-county-coroner-s-office,Photo Release: Schneider Hosts STEAM Scholars at Lake County Coroner’s Office,2021-11-22,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Tenth District high school students join Congressman Brad Schneider (far left) to learn about STEAM opportunities at the coroner's office WAUKEGAN, Ill. – Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) on Saturday hosted the 2021-2022 class of STEAM Scholars at the Lake County Coroner's Office. 20 students from 13 schools across the district joined Schneider to learn about STEAM opportunities with Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek and see how an autopsy is done. ""It was a wonderful experience taking this year's class of STEAM Scholars to the Lake County Coroner's office. By giving students the chance to hear from local mentors like Coroner Jen Banek, they learned how to utilize STEAM skills to one day make a difference in their community. For America to have justice, we need our students to be great scientists and technicians,"" Schneider said. Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek and Congressman Schneider speak to the 2021-2022 STEAM Scholars Coroner Jen Banek, Forensic Pathologist Dr. Eimad Zakariya, Deputy Coroner Robert James and Deputy Coroner Kiersten Reif talked with the students about their roles at the coroner's office, toured the toxicology lab, and led students through a mock autopsy. This was Schneider's second STEAM Scholar visit for the 2021-2022 school year. Students in the STEAM Scholars program will join Schneider on visits to four local STEAM-related businesses and organizations during the course of the program. On these visits, students participate in discussions with local employees, business owners, and educators, and learn more about the STEAM career opportunities in our backyard. In previous classes, students visited Mitsubishi Electric Automation, Clorox Manufacturing, Chicago Executive Airport, the chemistry and photonics labs at College of Lake County, the Lake County Sheriff's Office, and Jessup Manufacturing. Forensic Pathologist Deputy Coroner Robert James (far right) talks with STEAM Scholars about his career and shows students the toxicology lab",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-retirement-announcement-of-chairwoman-eddie-bernice-johnson,Foster Statement on Retirement Announcement of Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson,2021-11-20,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairwoman Eddie Bernice Johnson announced her retirement at the end of her term: ""It has been an honor to serve on the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee under the leadership of Chairwoman Johnson. During her tenure as Chair, she has demonstrated a fierce commitment to protecting America's place as the world leader in scientific research and infrastructure, and she's done so in a bipartisan manner that should serve as an example for the entire Congress. As a scientist, I especially appreciate her commitment to making sure America's scientists are heard and given the best tools to do their jobs. She shattered barriers as the first African American and first woman to serve as Chair of the Science, Space, and Technology Committee and she's made expanding opportunities for Americans of all backgrounds to pursue STEM opportunities a major focus of our Committee. ""I am proud to be able to say I've worked with and learned from Chairwoman Johnson over the past six years. I am committed to working with all of my colleagues on the Committee to carry on her example of thoughtful, bipartisan, science-driven leadership, as well as her dedication to promoting and protecting scientific research and innovation. I congratulate her on nearly 50 years of public service and wish her the best in retirement.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://bost.house.gov/2021/11/bost-votes-against-democrats-socialist-spending-bill,BOST VOTES AGAINST DEMOCRATS’ SOCIALIST SPENDING BILL,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,IL,Mike Bost,B001295,bost.house.gov,bost,https://bost.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) today voted against President Biden and Speaker Pelosi’s $1.63 trillion spending bill. The bill, passed only with Democrat support, is one of the largest spending bills passed in American history and would add $367 billion to the deficit over 10 years. “For months, President Biden and Speaker Pelosi have lied to the American people,” said Bost. “They’ve stuck to the laughable assertion that their socialist spending spree would be fully paid for and wouldn’t cost the American people a penny. Last night, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office indicated we were right to be suspicious - despite all the tax hikes and new revenue, the Biden-Pelosi plan still digs us nearly $400 billion deeper in debt. “So, what do Americans get in return for all this reckless spending? Amnesty for eight million illegal immigrants; 87,000 new IRS agents to spy on their bank accounts; taxpayer-funded abortions; billions to bankroll the Green New Deal, and attacks on our Second Amendment rights. The liberals are dead set on bankrupting future generations for socialism.” ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-devastating-verdict-out-kenosha,Casten Statement on Devastating Verdict out of Kenosha,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"I'm appalled that today our judicial system allowed a hate-fueled white vigilante to walk free when he traveled across state lines to use a weapon of war to intimidate and then murder Joseph Rosenbaum and Anthony Huber, and shoot Gaige Grosskreutz. ""We must ask ourselves, why is it we are familiar with the shooter but not the names and stories of those whose lives were ripped away?"" ""I encourage all to read Anthony Huber's parents statement expressing their pain: 'Today's verdict means there is no accountability for the person who murdered our son. It sends the unacceptable message that armed civilians can show up in any town, incite violence, and then use the danger they have created to justify shooting people in the street. We hope that decent people will join us in forcefully rejecting that message and demanding more of our laws, our officials, and our justice system.'"" ""As we reflect on the outcome of today's verdict, we must remember those who had their lives ended far too short; Anthony Huber and Joseph Rosenbaum."" ""My heart goes out to their families, friends and community mourning today's devastating verdict. We will not forget your names.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases/casten-statement-passage-historic-investment-combat-climate-crisis-strengthen,"Casten Statement on Passage of Historic Investment to Combat Climate Crisis, Strengthen Our Economy, and Lower Costs for Illinois Families",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Sean Casten,C001117,casten.house.gov,casten,https://casten.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. — Today, U.S. Representative Sean Casten (IL-06) voted to pass the Build Back Better Act, which makes historic investments to meet the urgent needs of Illinois families by creating jobs, cutting taxes, lowering costs, and combating the climate crisis. In the wake of the pandemic, skyrocketing costs of child care, health care, home- and community-based care, early and higher education, housing, and damage from climate-fueled extreme weather events are hurting families and small businesses across the country. ""I'm proud to have helped ensure the Build Back Better Act will not only make childcare, home care, education, health care more affordable and lower the tax burden–but will also pass the Climate Test by cutting pollution at the speed scientifically necessary to turn this ship around before it's too late,"" said Rep. Sean Casten. ""Today, Democrats passed the largest investment in climate action in American history–and one that will lower folks' energy bills, reinvigorate our economy, and create millions of good-paying union jobs. This is why I ran for Congress--and it's been a privilege to lead my colleagues in ensuring we get this done."" ""I'm particularly glad the Build Back Better Act includes tax relief to Illinois families unfairly harmed by the 2017 Republican Tax Scam."" continued Casten. ""Our bill raises the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction upholding the long held principle that citizens shouldn't have to pay taxes twice."" The Build Back Better Act contains a number of key priorities that Rep. Casten has fought for since arriving in Congress, including: The largest climate investment in our nation's history, by setting the United States on course to meet our 50-52% greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets by 2030, while creating millions of good paying, union jobs, reducing energy costs for consumers, and growing our economy. Specifically, Casten helped secure: $1 billion in zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure to support development of an electric vehicle charging network and hydrogen fueling infrastructure to assist the transition to zero emissions vehicles Establishment of a Methane Emissions Reduction Program to control excess methane pollution from the oil and gas industry above specific waste emissions thresholds. $40B in investments to incentivize clean energy technology via federal loan guarantees and grants $2.9 billion into creating a 21st Century energy grid capable of ensuring the reliable delivery of clean energy throughout the United States. $9 billion in EPA programs for replacement of lead service lines and reduction of lead in drinking water systems throughout the country. Extending the expanded Child Tax Credit, which has helped over 2.3 million Illinois children and is projected to cut child poverty in half. It also enables Illinois to expand access to free, high-quality preschool to more than 254,440 additional 3- and 4-year-olds per year and increase the quality of preschool for children who are already enrolled. After Rep. Casten led a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to include Medicare expansion, the Build Back Better Act will help older Americans access affordable hearing care and allow 136,000 Illinois to gain coverage. Rep. Casten firmly believes Illinoisans shouldn't have to pay taxes twice, which is why Sean fought to raise the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction. As part of the Build Back Better Act, Sean is proud to have secured a significant increase in the SALT deduction cap from $10,000 to $80,000. Here's how the Build Back Better Act will help Illinois: Deliver the largest investment in child care and early education in history. Provide access to affordable child care. Child care is a major strain for families in Illinois where the average annual cost of a child care center for a toddler is $9,876, meaning that an Illinois family with two young children would on average spend 17% of their income on child care for one year. The lack of affordable options also makes it difficult for parents, and especially mothers, to remain in their jobs, contributing to the 20% gender gap in workforce participation between mothers and fathers in Illinois. The Build Back Better Act will enable Illinois to provide access to child care for 755,080 young children (ages 0-5) per year from families earning under 2.5 times the state median income (about $244,079 for a family of 4), and ensure these families pay no more than 7% of their income on high-quality child care. Provide universal, high-quality, free preschool for every 3- and 4-year old in America. Today, only 20% of the 319,721 3- and 4-year-olds in Illinois have access to publicly-funded preschool, and it costs about $8,600 per year for those who can't access a publicly-funded program. The Build Back Better Act will enable Illinois to expand access to free, high-quality preschool to more than 254,440 additional 3- and 4-year-olds per year and increase the quality of preschool for children who are already enrolled. Parents will be able to send their children to the preschool setting of their choice—from public schools to private child care providers to Head Start—leading to lifelong educational benefits, allowing more parents to go back to work, and building a stronger foundation for Illinois' future economic competitiveness. Cut taxes and reduce some of the largest expenses for workers and families in Illinois. To help unlock the opportunities of an education beyond high school, the Build Back Better Act will increase maximum Pell Grant awards by $550 for students at public and private non-profit institutions, supporting the 162,841 students in Illinois who rely on Pell.The bill also makes higher education more accessible for more people by expanding federal financial aid eligibility to those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals policy or other temporary protected status. The bill will also invest in Illinois' 44 minority-serving institutions and the students they serve, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Hispanic-serving institutions (HSIs). Train America's workers for the jobs of the future. Of the world's biggest economies, the United States is second to last in investing in workforce development, and funding for federal job training programs has dropped by almost half since 2001. The Build Back Better Act invests in training programs that will prepare Illinois' workers for high-quality jobs in fast-growing sectors like public health, child care, manufacturing, IT, and clean energy. 48 public community colleges in Illinois will have the opportunity to benefit from grants to develop and deliver innovative training programs. Provide nutritious food options for children. 13% of children in Illinois live in food insecure households, harming their long-term health and ability to succeed in school. The Build Back Better Act will ensure that the nutritional needs of Illinois' children are met by expanding access to free school meals to an additional 325,000 students during the school year and providing over 1.1M students with resources to purchase food over the summer. Reduce housing costs and expand housing options. 765,000 renters in Illinois are rent burdened, meaning they spend more than 30% of their income on rent. The Build Back Better Act will expand rental assistance for Illinois renters. It will address the capital needs of the entire public housing stock in America and it includes one of the largest investments in down payment assistance in history, enabling more first-generation homebuyers to purchase their first home. Expand health care coverage and lower costs. The Build Back Better Act will close the Medicaid coverage gap to help millions of Americans gain health insurance, extend through 2025 the American Rescue Plan's health insurance premium reductions for those who buy coverage on their own, and help older Americans access affordable hearing care by expanding Medicare. In Illinois, that means 136,000 uninsured people will gain coverage and 150,100 will on average save hundreds of dollars per year. In addition, the Build Back Better Act will support maternal health and invest in national preparedness for future pandemics. Support families with long-term care needs. The need for high-quality, accessible, and affordable care for older Americans and disabled Americans is only growing, but high costs and care shortages leave many to rely on family for unpaid caregiving. The Build Back Better Act will expand access to home- and community-based care to more of Illinois' senior citizens and disabled citizens, and improve the quality and wages of caregiving jobs. Cut taxes for families and workers. Prior to the pandemic, 12% of children under the age of 18 in Illinois lived in poverty. The Build Back Better Act will bolster financial security and spur economic growth in Illinois by reducing taxes on the middle class and those striving to break into it. The bill will extend Child Tax Credit (CTC) increases of $300/month per child under 6 or $250/month per child ages 6 to 17. This will continue the largest reduction in child poverty in history. And critically, the agreement includes permanent refundability for the Child Tax Credit, meaning that the neediest families will continue to receive the full Child Tax Credit over the long-run. The bill will also provide a tax cut of up to $1,500 in tax cuts for 620,700 low-wage workers in Illinois by extending the American Rescue Plan's Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) expansion. Address the existential threat of climate change. Make the largest effort to combat climate change in American history. From 2010 to 2020, Illinois experienced 48 extreme weather events, costing up to $50 billion in damages. The Build Back Better Act will set the United States on course to meet its climate targets—a 50-52% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions below 2005 levels by 2030—in a way that creates good-paying union jobs, grows domestic industries, and advances environmental justice. The bill represents the largest ever single investment in our clean energy economy—across buildings, transportation, industry, electricity, agriculture, and climate smart practices in our lands and waters. In clean energy and in other sectors, the Build Back Better bill will also strengthen domestic manufacturing and supply chains for critical goods, benefiting American businesses, workers, consumers, and communities. Specific items Rep. Casten has advocated for include: $40B in investments to incentivize clean energy technology via federal loan guarantees and grants $2.9 billion into creating a 21st Century energy grid capable of ensuring the reliable delivery of clean energy throughout the United States. $1 billion in zero-emissions vehicle infrastructure to support development of an electric vehicle charging network and hydrogen fueling infrastructure to assist the transition to zero emissions vehicles Establishment of a Methane Emissions Reduction Program to control excess methane pollution from the oil and gas industry above specific waste emissions thresholds. $9 billion in EPA programs for replacement of lead service lines and reduction of lead in drinking water systems throughout the country. Additional information on how Illinois stands to benefit from the Build Back Better Act can be found here: # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcia-votes-to-pass-the-build-back-better-act,Congressman García Votes to Pass the Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"The bill makes transformative investments in affordable health care, child care, and housing; tackles the climate crisis; and provides lasting protections for immigrants. WASHINGTON, DC — Today Congressman Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) voted to pass H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act, a transformative investment to lower child care and health care costs for millions of American families, protect immigrant families, expand affordable housing, and tackle the climate crisis. Congressman García issued the following statement upon passage of the bill: ""Today's historic vote brings us one step closer to delivering long overdue, transformative investments for working class communities like those I represent in Chicago's Northwest and Southwest sides, the western Cook County suburbs, and across the country. The costs of child care, health care, and rent have skyrocketed while wages have stagnated and working class families — especially Latino and Black families — need relief more than ever. The Build Back Better Act will lower everyday costs for families, expand public services, address the climate crisis, and combined with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, create 2 million jobs each year over the next decade. It is a powerful step toward addressing the historic neglect communities like mine have faced. ""Though this bill delivers urgently needed relief to undocumented immigrants, it falls short of the path to citizenship that I fought for and that immigrants deserve. It gives up to 7 million undocumented immigrants the ability to receive work permits, travel, and live without fear of deportation. It means families separated for 20 years can finally be reunited, workers can speak out against abuses without fear of retaliation, and immigrants can wake up every morning with some peace of mind. That's why I was the first Member of Congress to say I would not support a relief package that did not include meaningful immigration reform. I will not stop fighting until we achieve a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants and every immigrant gets the chance to stay in the country they call home. ""This bill, combined with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that President Biden signed earlier this week, makes historic investments in communities across the country to create jobs and strengthen our economy. Though the Build Back Better Act falls short in many ways for immigrants, working people, and our planet, it is nevertheless a transformational step. I am proud to vote for this bill and will keep fighting for relief and resources for immigrants, working people, and families across the country. The Build Back Better Act includes: Relief for families: Extends the expanded Child Tax Credit from the American Rescue Plan, providing $300/ month for each child under 6 years old and $250/ month for children 6-18; Health care equity: Lowers drug prices and expands Medicare to cover hearing; Safe, affordable housing: Invests in rental assistance, public housing, and down payment assistance for first-generation homebuyers; Access to child care: Ensures universal preschool for 3- and 4-year-olds and funds to guarantee that the vast majority of families pay less for child care; Paid leave: Establishes 4 weeks of paid family leave for all workers; Investments in higher education: Provides funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and increases the maximum Pell Grant; Nutrition assistance: Invests in child nutrition programs that will address food insecurity, including expanding free school meals and food assistance for children during the summer; Lead-free homes: Funds programs to replace lead pipes and lead paint; Robust infrastructure investment: Further invests in our infrastructure by enhancing public transit access to affordable housing, building a national high speed rail network, and accelerating the deployment of broadband; Funds to combat the climate crisis: Encourages investment in clean energy technology and green jobs. The Senate will now consider the Build Back Better Act under the budget reconciliation process, meaning the bill cannot be filibustered and only needs a simple majority of votes to pass. More information about the Build Back Better Act can be found here. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-garcias-statement-kyle-rittenhouses-acquittal,Congressman García’s Statement on Kyle Rittenhouse’s Acquittal,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04) issued the following statement after Kyle Rittenhouse, who fatally shot two men and wounded another amidst protests last summer, was acquitted on all counts: ""There is no justice in a system that acquits vigilante killers of their crimes. Kyle Rittenhouse created a dangerous situation, then used that dangerous situation as his defense. Today's verdict means there will be no justice for families of the victims, and no accountability for a young man who killed two people on video. ""I am angry. I am indignant. And I am particularly frustrated that, once again, a right-wing vigilante got different, better treatment than young Latino and Black kids from places like the communities I represent. This verdict is a call to peaceful action, to speak out against institutional bias, and pursue justice and accountability for all."" # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/declaracion-de-garcia-correa-y-espaillat-tras-la-votacion-de-la-camara-sobre,"Declaración de García, Correa y Espaillat Tras la Votación de la Cámara sobre la Histórica Ley Para Una Reconstrucción Mejor",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Declaración de García, Correa y Espaillat Tras la Votación de la Cámara sobre la Histórica Ley Para Una Reconstrucción Mejor WASHINGTON, DC – Hoy los Representantes Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Lou Correa (CA-46), y Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) emitieron la siguiente declaración luego de votar para aprobar la histórica Ley Para Una Reconstrucción Mejor: ""La Ley Para Una Reconstrucción Mejor que aprobamos esta noche brinda beneficios a las familias estadounidenses trabajadoras en todo el país, incluidos los inmigrantes y las comunidades de clase trabajadora, al reducir la pobreza, expandir la cobertura de atención médica, combatir la crisis climática, brindar asistencia para pagar renta y ampliar el acceso a oportunidades educativas para estudiantes universitarios. ""A lo largo de este proceso, instamos a nuestros colegas a incluir una reforma migratoria significativa y garantizar que nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes no se queden atrás. Nos mantuvimos firmes en nuestra posición y cuando el tema de la inmigración parecía perderse de vista, luchamos para asegurar que la reforma migratoria se mantuviera al frente de las negociaciones. Con nuestra perseverancia y determinación, pudimos rescatar un alivio para los inmigrantes a pesar de la realidad política que enfrentamos. ""Este es un buen primer paso que permite que nuestros electores respiren. Esta legislación histórica incluye autorizaciones de trabajo y protección contra la deportación para más de 7 millones de personas. No se equivoque, si bien esta es la política más transformadora que nuestras comunidades han visto en más de tres décadas, queda mucho trabajo por hacer en nuestros esfuerzos para asegurar un camino hacia la ciudadanía. Las comunidades de inmigrantes han vivido aquí durante años, han formado familias, son propietarios de viviendas y contribuyen a nuestra economía nacional, pero aún carecen de la residencia permanente y la certeza que viene con un camino ganado hacia la tarjeta verde y la ciudadanía. ""El trabajo que hemos logrado hoy sienta las bases para que el Congreso continúe apoyando y protegiendo a nuestras comunidades de inmigrantes. Hoy, aseguramos protecciones contra la deportación para una generación de inmigrantes que ya no tienen que despertarse con miedo de que toquen a su puerta. Las disposiciones de la Ley Para Una Reconstrucción Mejor son un paso vital para arreglar nuestro sistema de inmigración que no funciona, pero todavía tenemos mucho trabajo por hacer. Instamos al Senado a utilizar su autoridad para incluir un camino hacia la ciudadanía"", concluyeron los Congresistas. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases/garcia-correa-espaillat-statement-following-house-vote-historic-build-back,"García, Correa, Espaillat Statement Following House Vote on the Historic Build Back Better Act",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,"Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",G000586,chuygarcia.house.gov,chuygarcia,https://chuygarcia.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"García, Correa, Espaillat Statement Following House Vote on the Historic Build Back Better Act WASHINGTON, DC — Today Representatives Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Lou Correa (CA-46), and Adriano Espaillat (NY-13) issued the following statement after voting to pass the historic Build Back Better Act: ""The Build Back Better Act we passed today delivers for working American families across the country, including immigrants and working-class communities by reducing poverty, expanding health care coverage, combating the climate crisis, providing rental assistance, and expanding access to educational opportunities for college students. ""Throughout this process, we urged our colleagues to include meaningful immigration reform and ensure our immigrant communities are not left behind. We remained firm in our position and when the topic of immigration seemed to be fading, we fought to ensure immigration reform remained at the forefront of negotiations. With our persistence and determination, we were able to salvage a piece of relief for immigrants despite the political reality we face. ""This is a good first step forward that allows our constituents to breathe. This historic legislation includes work authorizations and protection from deportation for more than 7 million individuals. Make no mistake, while this is the most transformational policy our communities have seen in over three decades, much work remains in our efforts to ensure a pathway to citizenship. Immigrant communities have lived here for years, raised families, own homes, and contribute to our national economy, yet they still lack permanent residency and the certainty that comes with an earned pathway to a green card and citizenship. ""The work that we have accomplished today sets the foundation for Congress to continue to support and protect our immigrant communities. Today, we secured deportation protections for a generation of immigrants who no longer have to wake up afraid of that knock on the door. The provisions in the Build Back Better Act are a vital step forward to fixing our broken immigration system, but we still have a lot of work to do. We urge the Senate to use their authority to include a pathway to citizenship,"" the Members concluded. # # #",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/representative-danny-k-davis-praises-passage-hr-5376-build-back-better-act,"Representative Danny K. Davis Praises Passage of H.R. 5376, the Build Back Better Act",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Danny K. Davis,D000096,davis.house.gov,davis,https://davis.house.gov/media,scraper,"November 19, 2021 WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U. S. Representative Danny K. Davis praised the passage of the Build Back Better Act. Davis said, ““I am honored and humbled to have voted for this once-in-a-generation legislation. I came to Congress to make this type of momentous change. The Build Back Better Act represents a transformative investment in children, families, workers, businesses, and the planet that will improve health and well-being, advance economic and environmental justice, meaningfully address climate change, and grow our economy while asking the wealthiest and most secure to pay their fair share. I am deeply proud that many priorities that I have championed are included in this historic bill.” It provides 4 weeks of paid family and medical leave for workers so that they do not face the inhumane choice of caring for loved ones or financial ruin. Lower-income workers and workers of color are much less likely to have any paid leave, yet are more likely to need it due to greater health challenges and less savings to weather caregiving without pay. As Chair of the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over paid leave, I have worked closely with Ways and Means Chairman Neal and advocates to shape this equity-generating, universal benefit. The bill enhances the Earned Income Tax Credit to improve the economic well-being of millions of childless workers and noncustodial parents – with new help for younger workers, foster and homeless youth, and seniors. I’ve fought for these improvements for over a decade via my Responsible Fatherhood Act. These changes will help 17 million adults nationwide and over 600,000 in Illinois. It provides $2 billion to train workers with barriers to employment – including people with records - for careers in the allied health professions. This provision will help Chicago State which has a stellar Health Profession Opportunity Grant program and expand programs like those offered by the Safer Foundation to help people with records become successful healthcare professionals. It helps vulnerable students by making Pell non-taxable and removing the lifetime ban on the American Opportunity Tax Credit for past felony drug convictions. It incents substantial private investment in solar energy that will reduce electricity costs for tens of millions of low-income individuals while making the air they breathe safer. It contains strong labor provisions so that our investments in green energy benefit workers as well as businesses. It includes $1 billion for to help justice-involved individuals obtain employment and training services via the Reentry Employment Opportunities Program. It makes sure that people leaving prison have Medicaid coverage to improve health and successful reentry. It includes $2.5 billion for public health approaches to reduce community violence and advance trauma interventions, which I have championed via the RISE from Trauma Act. It helps restore fairness to the tax code by rolling back the Republicans’ punitive limit on the State and Local Tax deduction to hurt citizens in blue states like Illinois.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases/foster-statement-on-passage-of-build-back-better-act,Foster Statement on Passage of Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Bill Foster,F000454,foster.house.gov,foster,https://foster.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Bill Foster (D-IL) issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed President Biden's Build Back Better economic package: ""I'm proud to have voted for the President's Build Back Better legislation, a once-in-a-generation investment in American families that is fully paid for by making sure the richest Americans and corporations are paying their fair share in taxes. ""I'm particularly proud of the measures it includes to benefit the people of Illinois. This sweeping bill bolsters the financial security of the middle class by extending the Child Tax Credit; expanding access to childcare services so that parents, especially mothers, can stay in their jobs; and providing free, high-quality preschool for every three- and four-year-old in Illinois. ""This transformative legislation also makes critical investments in education and job training so that our state can sustain long-term economic growth. It makes higher education more affordable and accessible for middle- and low-income families, and it invests in programs that will prepare Illinois workers for high-quality jobs in rapidly growing sectors like health care, manufacturing, IT, and clean energy. Taken together, these measures will position Illinois as a prime destination for companies looking to hire the best-trained workers in America. ""In addition, critical investments that will expand and strengthen health care coverage will allow tens of thousands more Illinoisans to access lifesaving health care. It will extend the increased subsides for those who purchase insurance through the ACA Marketplace, give seniors on Medicare access to hearing care for the first time, and bring down the cost of insulin and other prescription drugs. This package also provides the investment needed for the United States to finally join the rest of the industrialized world in offering paid family and medical leave so that workers don't need to choose between helping a sick loved one and getting their paycheck. ""This legislation also represents the largest effort to combat climate change in American history. The Build Back Better Act will reduce greenhouse gas emissions while creating good paying union jobs, spur innovation so that America is the world leader in clean energy industries, and protect the environment for future generations. ""I am also proud that this legislation is fully paid for by closing tax loopholes and asking the wealthiest Americans and corporations to pay their fair share. We're investing those tax revenues right back into our economy so that hard working families and small businesses can enjoy the economic growth that has unfairly favored those that the top for too long. In addition, after Republicans targeted states like Illinois with a cap on the State and Local Tax Deduction to pay for their 2017 tax cut for the wealthiest Americans, this legislation raises the cap in a sensible way that will directly benefit Illinois households. ""I am proud of the House's Build Back Better legislation and urge the Senate to pass it and send it to the President as soon as possible.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://lahood.house.gov/2021/11/lahood-opposes-democrats-tax-and-spending-plan,LaHood Opposes Democrats' Tax and Spending Plan,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-18) voted against the so-called ""Build Back Better"" plan, a trillion-dollar tax and spending plan. The plan breaks President Biden's promise to not raise taxes on the middle class and is not fully paid for as Democrats claim. LaHood released the following statement after his vote: ""As the holidays approach, we have a border crisis threatening our national security, workforce shortages, raging inflation - raising the cost of everyday goods on all Americans, and a supply chain crisis harming our economy. Instead of stepping back and working with Republicans to address the real-life issues American families are facing, President Biden and Democrats are pressing ahead with the most radical legislative agenda in my lifetime. ""Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, Americans do not need tax hikes. However, the so-called Build Back Better plan clearly violates President Biden's promise to not raise taxes on middle-class families. Democrats’ reckless, multi-trillion-dollar tax and spending binge will raise taxes on Illinois farmers, workers, and small businesses while subsidizing the wealthiest individuals on the coasts. Moreover, this bill is not paid for as Democrats claim and it will only further bankrupt our children and grandchildren. The so-called Build Back Better Agenda is a bad deal for Illinois and American families."" During floor debate, Rep. LaHood spoke in opposition to the bill. The remarks can be viewed here. Background:",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases/illinois-association-school-boards-terminates-its-membership-national-school,Illinois Association of School Boards Terminates its Membership with the National School Boards Association,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,IL,Mary E. Miller,M001211,marymiller.house.gov,marymiller,https://marymiller.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Congresswoman Mary Miller (IL-15) led a letter this week with members of the Illinois Congressional delegation urging the Illinois Association of School Boards to withdraw from the National School Boards Association. Last night, the Illinois Association of School Boards announced that they will be terminating their membership from the National School Boards Association effective immediately. ""I believe that Illinois parents and families should play a central role in their children’s education, not the federal government,"" said Miller. ""I was inspired to write this letter to the Illinois Association of School Boards by the NSBA’s letter to the Biden Administration earlier this year. Parents should NEVER be treated as domestic terrorists for showing up at school board meetings to advocate for their kids.""",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-mace-urge-usps-stop-illegal-transport-animals-fighting,"Quigley, Mace Urge USPS to Stop the Illegal Transport of Animals for Fighting",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (D-IL) and Representative Nancy Mace (D-SC) led a letter urging the U.S. Chief Postal Inspector to improve enforcement against the widespread transport of animals for illegal fighting purposes using the United States Postal Service. The letter was signed by 34 House Democrats and Republicans. Specifically, the letter requests that USPS develop a comprehensive strategy that includes detailed plans on how it will stop illegal trafficking of animals, specifically birds, for fighting purposes and what barriers it faces in doing so, and report to Congress expeditiously on the development and specifics of that plan. ""The U.S. has banned any interstate or foreign transport of animals for fighting purposes for nearly 20 years, yet the problem still persists. We must take action to better enforce our laws and end this immoral practice,"" said Rep. Quigley. ""With evidence pointing to the U.S. mail as the primary means of transport for these animals—it is past time for the USPS to treat the illegal shipment of fighting animals as a high priority and work to end this once and for all."" ""We need to stop the shipment of animals, for fighting purposes, via the U.S. Post Service,"" said Rep. Mace. ""This barbaric and cruel practice needs further investigation and those responsible need to be held accountable. I urge the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to work more aggressively to interdict illegal trafficking of fighting animals through U.S. mail."" ""It is shocking to place live animals in a box with no food or water and send them on a long, multi-flight journey – in some cases an 8000-mile journey from North Carolina to Guam – to end up in a cockfight,"" said Wayne Pacelle, President of Animal Wellness Action. ""We are not sure what's worse – the flight or the fight."" According to a review of shipping records obtained by Animal Wellness Action, the Guam Department of Agriculture allowed more than 500 shipments of fighting birds into the territory from state-based cockfighters. There were more than 60 individuals who collectively shipped more than 10,000 fighting animals to the island, with reports indicating nearly exclusively transport through the U.S. mail. A copy of the letter is available HERE and the text of the letter is available below. November 19, 2021 Gary L. Barksdale Chief Postal Inspector U.S. Postal Inspection Service 475 L'Enfant Plaza, S.W. Washington, D.C., 20260 Dear Inspector Barksdale: We write with concern regarding USPS's role in transporting animals, specifically birds, for illegal fighting purposes. Since 2002, the U.S. has prohibited any interstate or foreign transport of animals for fighting purposes. Congress established felony-level penalties for those crimes in 2007, including provision that specifically prohibits any person from using the United States Postal Service (""USPS"") to promote or in any other manner further an animal fighting venture. Finally, in 2019, Congress extended this prohibition against animal fighting to U.S. territories. The Supreme Court recently denied a petition from cockfighting interests in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that challenged the federal government's authority to ban cockfighting everywhere in the U.S., including the territories. Despite the constitutional soundness and strong penalty provisions discouraging transporting animals for fighting purposes, abundant evidence suggests that this practice is still widespread. In addition to private ground and commercial air transport, evidence suggests that the USPS is also being used for illegal trafficking. According to a review of shipping records obtained by Animal Wellness Action, the Guam Department of Agriculture allowed more than 500 shipments of fighting birds into the territory from state-based cockfighters. There were more than 60 individuals who collectively shipped more than 10,000 fighting animals to the island, with reports indicating nearly exclusively transport through the U.S. mail. The federal law also bans the trade in cockfighting implements – the knives and gaffs that are strapped to the combatants' legs to enhance the bloodletting at the fights. According to a September 2021 story in the El Paso Times, ""customs officers at the Memphis air cargo hub seized 5,029 spurs, knives or gaffes used in cockfighting during the past two fiscal years, compared with seizures of 50 pieces during the previous three — an increase due in large part to Neipert's focus on targeting the contraband."" While those fighting implements came into the U.S. by means other than USPS carriers, there is a brisk trade in fighting implements within the U.S. and Animal Wellness Action has gathered evidence that the U.S. mail is the primary means of transport for this contraband. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection have taken significant steps in recent years to improve enforcement work in the stopping the transport of animals for fighting purposes. The Department of Justice and the USDA's Office of Inspector General have also ramped up their work against animal fighting. We believe it is time for USPS to renew its focus on preventing the transport of animals for this deadly sport. We request USPS develop a comprehensive strategy that includes detailed plans on how it will stop illegal trafficking of animals for fighting purposes and what barriers it faces in doing so, and report to Congress expeditiously on the development and specifics of that plan. Additionally, given the pattern of cockfighting activity in Guam, there should be specific focus on preventing illegal trafficking of birds there. We understand that training and investigations will be required for your agents in Guam given that some birds may be legally transported through the U.S. mails there. We hope that you and your team will treat the illegal shipment of fighting animals as a high priority going forward. Thank you for your attention to this serious matter. Sincerely, Mike Quigley, Member of Congress",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/quigley-statement-house-passage-build-back-better-act,Quigley Statement on House Passage of Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Mike Quigley,Q000023,quigley.house.gov,quigley,https://quigley.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"Today, U.S. Representative Mike Quigley (IL-05), Chairman of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, released a statement after voting in favor of the Build Back Better Act. ""Our country is recovering not only from a once in a century pandemic but also the worst economic downturn since the 2008 recession. In the wake of this crisis, President Biden and Congressional Democrats have been dedicated to passing transformative legislation to improve the lives of the middle class,"" said Quigley. ""Together with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, the Build Back Better Act represents the largest investment in the American people since the 1960s."" Quigley continued, ""For too long, Illinois families have struggled to make ends meet, held back by the soaring costs of childcare, health care, education, and more. Democrats' framework seizes this once-in-a-generation moment to not only rebuild our economy, but also to build a stronger, better future. The Build Back Better Act will create millions of new jobs, lower families' health care costs, expand access to education, give the middle class one of the largest tax cuts in history, and make a historic investment in the fight against climate change."" Led by President Biden and Democrats in Congress, the Build Back Better framework will be transformative for nearly every Illinois family: it will deliver historic investments that meet their needs in the wake of the pandemic. It will ensure that all can share in the benefits of a growing economy now, and for generations to come. Specifically, the Build Back Better Act will: Lower childcare and family costs: investing $400 billion in childcare subsidies; providing four weeks of paid family and medical leave for all workers; extending the landmark Child Tax Credit; expanding access to home care; and making the single largest and most comprehensive investment in affordable housing in our history. Support seniors and children: expanding free schooling in America for the first time in 100 years with universal pre-school for all 3- and 4-year-olds; expanding our home health care workforce for seniors and people with disabilities; giving seniors access to affordable hearing care, including hearing aids; and capping drug costs for seniors. Lower health care costs: halting outrageous drug price hikes; closing the Medicaid gap and placing health care within reach for the two million Americans who were previously left behind; and expanding the ACA to make coverage more affordable. Make the largest investment to combat the climate crisis in our history: investing over $300 billion in expanded tax credits for clean, low-carbon, renewable energy; providing over one hundred billion dollars in investments in resilience and climate adaption; and creating a Civilian Climate Corps to engage millions of people in the effort to save the planet.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-kelly-praises-house-passage-transformational-build-back-better,Rep. Kelly Praises House Passage of Transformational Build Back Better Legislation,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Robin L. Kelly,K000385,robinkelly.house.gov,robinkelly,https://robinkelly.house.gov/media-center/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON, DC– Today, Rep. Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), voted to pass the Build Back Better Act, which will provide transformational change to American workers and families. The bill will now go to the Senate for passage. “The Build Back Better Act will bring sweeping improvements to the lives of hardworking Illinoisans and Americans,” said Congresswoman Kelly. “With this legislation, we are investing in health equity by closing the healthcare coverage gap and bringing 12 months of postpartum Medicaid coverage to women in every single state through my MOMMAs Act. We are expanding benefits for seniors through Medicare and lowering health insurance premiums. We are investing in gun violence prevention, providing clean, lead-free water, in fighting climate change, and in our care economy.” “This legislation will deliver historic investments in every state, help lift our economy out of this pandemic and repair the fabric of many of our social programs. No one making under $400,000 will pay a penny more in taxes for this investment. This bill will lower costs by making big corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share. I am proud to support this bill and this monumental step toward change,” continued Congresswoman Kelly. The Build Back Better Act delivers once-in-a-generation action to lower the everyday costs that burden working families – from health care to child care & more – fully paid for by making big corporations & the wealthiest pay their fair share. This legislation will: Lower health care costs by negotiating lower drug costs for seniors; halting Big Pharma’s outrageous price hikes above inflation; and expanding the ACA to make coverage more affordable for those who buy insurance on their own. Lower child care & family care costs: expanding the basic promise of free schooling in America for the first time in 100 years with universal pre-school for all 3- and 4-year olds; slashing families’ child care costs; extending the landmark Biden Child Tax Credit; and expanding access to affordable home care for older adults and those with disabilities. Provide the Largest Investment to Combat Climate Crisis in History: cutting pollution, reducing energy costs, creating good paying jobs with a transformational investment to ensure America leads the clean energy economy.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases/schakowsky-statement-passage-build-back-better-act,Schakowsky Statement on the Passage of the Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Janice D. Schakowsky,S001145,schakowsky.house.gov,schakowsky,https://schakowsky.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip, a senior member of the House Budget Committee, and a Co-Chair of the House Democratic Task Force on Aging and Families, released the following statement after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 5376, President Biden's Build Back Better Act, by a vote of 220-213: ""Today, I proudly voted for and helped pass President Biden's Build Back Better Act, a transformational bill that makes long overdue investments in the American people. The name – Build Back Better – is meaningful: we must build back better from before the COVID-19 pandemic. In the richest country in the world, seniors should not have to walk away from pharmacy counters because they cannot afford their lifesaving medications. Black, Hispanic, and other women of color should not have to pour their lives and souls into caregiving, only to be paid an unlivable wage. No person should be pushed out of the workforce because a loved one falls ill and they have no access to paid family and medical leave. No person should have to drink toxic water from lead pipes or be forced into homelessness due to lack of affordable housing. ""As sociologist Jessica Calarco said, 'Other countries have a robust social safety net; the United States has women.' The Build Back Better Act does just that – it builds America back and upwards to where we should be in the world and eases the economic and social burdens that women have shouldered for generations. ""For too long, Americans have paid three to four times more for prescription drugs than people in any other country. All while Big Pharma has admitted to making a profit even where other governments have negotiated prescription drug prices. The Build Back Better Act finally gives Medicare the power to negotiate drug prices, caps seniors' out of pocket prescription costs at $2,000 per year, and caps insulin at $35 per month. The bill also invests in the physical infrastructure of community health centers, who have been on the frontlines for over 50 years, providing care in underserved communities. ""In Illinois, at least 19,000 seniors and people with disabilities are on waiting lists for essential home care. We face a caregiver workforce shortage, with the majority of paid caregivers being Black, Latina, and Asian immigrant women who do not even have access to a sick day. The Build Back Better Act puts a down payment on growing the care economy, providing $150 billion for Medicaid home and community-based services and creating good-paying union jobs. The bill also contains $1.2 billion to invest in programs targeted to seniors under the Older Americans Act, including nutrition and long-term care support services. These generational investments will help family caregivers return to work without fearing for the health and safety of their aging loved ones and ensure that low-income and vulnerable seniors do not go hungry in the richest country in the world. ""As we look to the future, we must also address the dismal maternal and infant mortality crisis. In Illinois, Black women are six to seven times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than their white counterparts. The Build Back Better Act includes the ""MOMnibus,"" to invest in training and recruiting more maternal and perinatal nurses and doulas. The bill includes funding for Children's Hospitals Graduate Medical Education programs, like the one at Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago, to fix the pediatrician workforce shortage. It also includes funding for maternal mental health programs and training for health professionals to identify and address risks of environment and climate change to mothers and babies. ""The Build Back Better Act makes historic investments in environmental justice and clean energy. It invests $3 billion in community-led projects to address disproportionate environmental and public health harms related to pollution and climate change. It also includes billions of dollars to incentivize the use of clean energy – helping the United States to achieve its goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. Since transportation is one of the largest producers of greenhouse gases, the legislation invests over $25 billion in green transportation including transit, electric vehicles, and zero-emission technologies. ""The Build Back Better Act also recognizes that safe drinking water is a human right. Many of our communities are facing a lead crisis and Illinois is no exception. Illinois has more than 680,000 lead service lines – the most of any state in the nation. The Build Back Better Act provides $10 billion in funding to fix this toxic problem and protect our drinking water. ""Housing costs continue to rise at record rates nationwide. This bill helps those who need it the most by investing $35 billion in affordable housing and $24 billion in rental assistance. This is the largest one-time expansion of rental assistance since 1974 and will help more than 260,000 families over the next eight years. It also provides over $7 billion to address homelessness and $65 billion to repair and improve public housing. ""This historic bill also makes huge investments in our nation's children and students by extending the landmark Biden Child Tax Credit and providing universal free pre-K for all three and four year olds. In Illinois, that means expanding free pre-K to more than 250,000 additional three and four year olds per year and increasing the quality of preschool for children who are already enrolled. It also makes college more accessible by increasing the maximum Pell Grant award by $550. The bill also makes important investments to combat child hunger by expanding eligibility for free school meals and providing Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) benefits to low-income children. ""Finally, while I am disappointed that the House version of the Build Back Better Act does not include a pathway to citizenship, it provides lasting and meaningful protections for our immigrant communities. It includes protection from deportation and renewable work permits for an estimated 7 million people, providing stability and peace of mind to millions of families. We must remember, this is just the beginning. We will not stop fighting until we achieve a pathway to citizenship for all 11 million undocumented immigrants.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases/schneider-statement-house-passage-build-back-better-act,Schneider Statement on House Passage of Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Bradley Scott Schneider,S001190,schneider.house.gov,schneider,https://schneider.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"November 19, 2021 WASHINGTON — Today, Congressman Brad Schneider (IL-10) voted to pass the President's Build Back Better Act. Congressman Schneider released the following statement: ""The Build Back Better Act will make bold transformative investments in the lives of everyday Americans. The bill will unquestionably enhance the future for our children, but also improve the here and now for their parents and grandparents: creating opportunities like universal pre-k, taking on national challenges by lowering the cost of prescription drugs, and giving working families a tax cut – all without adding to the deficit. I have said from the start that I want a bill that will address four things: climate change, kids and education, health care, and economic growth. This legislation robustly checks every box."" Significantly the Build Back Better Act would make major investments in: CHILDREN: Enacts Universal Pre-k: Universal and free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds Saves Americans more than half of their spending on child care: The bill would ensure middle-class families would pay no more than 7 percent of their income on child care Extends the American Rescue Plan's expanded Child Tax Credit, cutting taxes for working families and lifting millions of kids out of poverty CLIMATECHANGE: Invests $555 billion in fighting climate change, the largest ever single investment in our clean energy future Creates well-paying clean energy jobs and ensures clean energy technologies like wind turbines are made here in the United States HEALTH CARE: Reduces prescription drug costs: Allows Medicare to negotiate drug prices, imposes a tax penalty on drug companies increasing prices faster than inflation, and directly lowers out-of-pocket costs for seniors. Strengthens the Affordable Care Act and reduces premiums for 9 million Americans Expands Medicare to cover hearing benefits ECONOMY AND JOBS: Expands access to affordable, high-quality education beyond high school: increasing the Pell Grant and helping more people access training at community and technical colleges to fill high-wage job openings. Makes the largest investment in affordable housing in history Extends the expanded Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for around 17 million low-wage workers Restores the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction for millions of middle class families Key Schneider provisions included in the Build Back Better Act include: Restoring tax fairness through the State and Local Tax Deduction Giving a tax cut to working families through the Child Tax Credit Fighting climate change with the Sustainable Skies Act, which would create a tax credit starting at $1.50 per gallon for blenders that supply sustainable aviation fuel with a demonstrated 50% or greater lifecycle estimate reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to standard jet fuel Making health care more accessible by ensuring sustainable career pathways through Health Profession Opportunity Grants to support low-income workers who seek training and education for in-demand health care careers Funding for teaching health centers operating graduate medical education Bolstering domestic energy supply chains by supporting domestic onshore wind manufacturing ###",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-bustos-lead-illinois-democratic-delegation-urging-governor-pritzker,"Underwood, Bustos Lead Illinois Democratic Delegation in Urging Governor Pritzker, Illinois Department of Transportation to Prioritize Funding from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for Critical District Projects",2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON— Today, Representatives Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Cheri Bustos (IL-17) led the entire Illinois Democratic Congressional delegation in urging Governor Pritzker to prioritize Illinois Member Directed Projects (MDPs) for historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) funding. The letter follows an effort by Rep. Underwood to secure federal funding for eight transportation and infrastructure projects in the 14th District of Illinois. $19.4 million in funding for these projects was advanced in the House-passed INVEST America Act in June 2021, and these projects are eligible for funding allocated in the recently passed bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Members sent the letter to further advocate that federal funds that pass through the state be allocated to these projects. ""As we celebrate the enactment of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), we urge you to prioritize our MDPs for IIJA funding to the maximum extent possible. The MDPs we selected represent the best of Illinois and meet many of our communities' most urgent transportation needs, from Galena to Naperville. Completion of these projects will make our state safer, stronger, greener, and more accessible. Local leaders have gone above and beyond to demonstrate deep and wide-ranging community support for these projects, and to ensure they are technically sound and integrated with long-term state and regional planning,"" Members wrote to Governor Pritzker. A full copy of the letter can be found here and below. A list of the nine projects can be found here and below. Below is the list of projects for which Rep. Underwood successfully secured funding: PROJECT NAME: Algonquin Road (Various Intersections) and Wilmot Road at Main Street Intersection Improvements LOCATION: Algonquin Road (Huntley, Lake in the Hills, Algonquin) and intersection of Wilmot & Main in Spring Grove, Illinois PROJECT SPONSOR: McHenry County Division of Transportation AMOUNT SECURED: $2,400,000 PROJECT NAME: Bliss Rd/Fabyan from Fabyan to Bliss Rd LOCATION: Fabyan Parkway at Main Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134 PROJECT SPONSOR: Kane County AMOUNT SECURED: $7,000,000 PROJECT NAME: DeKalb Traffic Signal Upgrades LOCATION: City of DeKalb, Illinois 60115 PROJECT SPONSOR: City of DeKalb AMOUNT SECURED: $570,000 PROJECT NAME: Fox River Regional Trail: Hoover Forest Preserve-Fox River Bluffs Connecting Trail Segment LOCATION: Kendall County Forest Preserve District, Hoover and Fox River Bluffs Forest Preserves; Yorkville, Illinois 60560 PROJECT SPONSOR: Kendall County Forest Preserve District AMOUNT SECURED: $240,000 PROJECT NAME: Main Street Reconstruction from Randall Road to Van Nortwick Avenue LOCATION: Main Street, Batavia, Illinois 60510 PROJECT SPONSOR: City of Batavia AMOUNT SECURED: $600,000 PROJECT NAME: US Route 20 and Reinking Road Roundabout LOCATION: Northwest Elgin, Illinois at the municipal boundary between the City of Elgin and the Village of Pingree Grove, at the intersection of US Route 20/Oak Street and Reinking Road. PROJECT SPONSOR: City of Elgin AMOUNT SECURED: $1,200,000 PROJECT NAME: Wolfs Crossing Road from US 34 Chicago Road to Eola Road – Douglas Road Intersection LOCATION: Wolfs Crossing at Douglas Road, Oswego, Illinois 60543 PROJECT SPONSOR: Village of Oswego, Illinois AMOUNT SECURED: $1,205,500 PROJECT NAME: Woodstock Railyard Relocation & Expansion LOCATION: Lamb Road at UPRR, Woodstock, Illinois 60098 PROJECT SPONSOR: County of McHenry, Illinois AMOUNT SECURED: $4,000,000 PROJECT NAME: 143rd St from IL 59 to IL 126 LOCATION: 143rd St in Plainfield, Illinois 60544 PROJECT SPONSOR: Village of Plainfield, Illinois AMOUNT SECURED: $2,500,000 Additional information on Underwood-sponsored projects in the 14th District can be found here. In addition to Underwood and Bustos, the letter was signed by Representatives Bobby Rush (IL-01), Robin Kelly (IL-02), Marie Newman (IL-03), Jesús ""Chuy"" García (IL-04), Mike Quigley (IL-05), Sean Casten (IL-06), Danny Davis (IL-07), Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-08), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Brad Schneider (IL-10), and Bill Foster (IL-11). November 18, 2021 The Honorable J.B. Pritzker Governor of Illinois 207 State House Springfield, IL 62706 Dear Governor Pritzker, Thank you to you and your staff for your assistance to our offices this year in helping identify outstanding Illinois Member Designated Projects (MDPs) through the House surface transportation reauthorization process. We are grateful for your leadership on infrastructure in Illinois through the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan. Illinois is already investing in its infrastructure at historic levels and is now well-positioned to expand those investments with new federal funding. As we celebrate the enactment of the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), we urge you to prioritize our MDPs for IIJA funding to the maximum extent possible. The MDPs we selected represent the best of Illinois and meet many of our communities' most urgent transportation needs, from Galena to Naperville. Completion of these projects will make our state safer, stronger, greener, and more accessible. Local leaders have gone above and beyond to demonstrate deep and wide-ranging community support for these projects, and to ensure they are technically sound and integrated with long-term state and regional planning. Our MDPs have also secured the backing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the full House of Representatives, which voted to approve them on July 1, 2021. As you know, decades of state and federal underinvestment have left Illinois's infrastructure in disrepair, undermining our ability to compete economically on the world stage. Your administration has tackled this issue straight on with the Rebuild Illinois Capital Plan, establishing Illinois as a leader on infrastructure revitalization. Now, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will bring nearly $17 billion to Illinois to improve our roads, bridges, highways, public transit, airports, broadband, and more. With the passage of IIJA, we can fast-track the priorities of the Rebuild Illinois Plan by directing this generational federal investment to best meet our state's infrastructure needs. We believe that goal is best achieved by swift completion of our MDPs, and respectfully urge your prioritization of projects eligible for federal funding from IIJA to the maximum extent possible. Please let us know if your Administration needs any additional federal resources or authorities to help advance this goal. Thank you for your continued partnership as we work together on behalf of Illinois families. Sincerely, Rep. Lauren Underwood Rep. Cheri Bustos Rep. Mike Quigley Rep. Danny K. Davis Rep. Bobby L. Rush Rep. Bill Foster Rep. Robin L. Kelly Rep. Marie Newman Rep. Sean Casten Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi Rep. Bradley S. Schneider Rep. Jan Schakowsky Rep. Jesús G. ""Chuy"" García",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwood-supports-historic-investment-lowering-costs-illinois-families,Underwood Supports Historic Investment in Lowering Costs for Illinois Families with Passage of the Build Back Better Act,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) supported the historic passage of the Build Back Better Act, once-in-a-generation legislation to meet the urgent needs of Illinois families by delivering affordable child care, universal Pre-K, lower health care and prescription drug costs, climate and clean energy solutions, lower taxes for families, and more. Among the key provisions are three Underwood-drafted pieces of legislation. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act will combat the U.S. maternal mortality crisis and the Health Care Affordability Act will reduce out-of-pocket health costs by making tax credits for Health Insurance Marketplace plans more generous and available to more Americans. The Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act will address the crisis of nurse staffing shortages that has impacted communities across the United States throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The legislation is fully paid for and will reduce the deficit by ensuring large corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share. ""Illinois families have been put through the wringer in the last two years and now, more than ever, we need to ensure a strong economic recovery by lowering the cost of health care and of raising a family, invest in combatting the climate crisis, and do this responsibly by ensuring large corporations and the wealthiest pay their fair share,"" Rep. Lauren Underwood said. ""I'm especially proud that my legislation, the Health Care Affordability Act, the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act, and the Future Advancement of Academic Nursing (FAAN) Act were included in this life-changing and life-saving package. This legislation brings us one step closer to giving Americans access to the equitable and affordable health care they deserve,"" she concluded. The legislation will be transformative for every Illinois family: delivering historic investments and ensuring that all Americans can share in the benefits of a growing economy now, and for generations to come. The Build Back Better Act: Invests in affordable child care: The average annual cost for child care in Illinois is $9,876. The Build Back Better framework will expand access to childcare for 755,080 young Illinoisians and ensure no family pays more than seven percent of their income on child care. Improves Medicare to cover hearing costs: Adds a new, comprehensive hearing benefit to Medicare Part B, including coverage of hearing aids and services from audiologists and hearing aid professionals. Ensures paid family and medical leave: The program will ensure workers receive partial wage replacement to take time to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill loved one, deal with a loved one's military deployment, find safety from sexual assault, stalking, or domestic violence, heal from their own serious illness, or take time to deal with the death of a loved one. It will guarantee four weeks of paid parental, family, and personal illness/safe leave. Combats climate change: Creates clean energy jobs and provides resources to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners, supporting their efforts to reduce emissions. Expands early education: The Build Back Better Act will expand access to free, high-quality pre-K to more than 254,000 Illinois students – setting up children for lifelong success and saving their parents thousands of dollars. Lowers prescription drug prices: Lowers out-of-pocket prescription drug costs for seniors and families by finally negotiating lower drug costs, halting outrageous price hikes, creating an out-of-pocket cap on drug spending for seniors under Medicare Part D, and ensuring Americans with diabetes pay no more than $35 per month for their insulin. Fixes the State and Local Tax Deduction: Since the Republican Tax Law, places like the 14th District have been disproportionally burdened by changes to the State and Local Tax deduction (SALT) which was capped at $10,000 per year. This legislation repeals that unfair double-tax on Illinois families for five years. Extends the Child Tax Credit: The legislation will provide monthly payments to the parents of nearly 90 percent of American children for 2022 – $300 per month per child under six and $250 per month per child ages 6 to 17. The Build Back Better Act also makes generational investments in higher education, workforce training, affordable housing, nutrition assistance and more. Underwood's Health Care Affordability Act (H.R. 369) was included in the American Rescue Plan and has already lowered out-of-pocket premium and deductible costs for Illinoisans and families across the United States. 2.8 million Americans have newly enrolled in coverage, many for the first time in their adult lives; out-of-pocket premium costs have dropped by 40 percent; and 4 in 5 enrollees can now find a plan for $10 or less per month. The Build Back Better Act extends these historic gains in coverage and lower costs – the most significant expansion of affordable health care in more than a decade. As a co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Black Maternal Health Caucus, Underwood introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 959) in February 2021, a sweeping package of 12 bills to end the U.S. maternal health crisis. Every eligible provision of Underwood's Momnibus legislation was included in the Build Back Better Act, along with a permanent expansion of yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage in every state—the largest investment in American history to eliminate preventable maternal mortality, end racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes, and advance birth equity across the country. The Momnibus provisions of the Build Back Better Act led by Underwood will grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, including midwives and doulas; invest in community-based organizations working to promote maternal health equity; address social determinants of health like housing, nutrition, and environmental conditions; and expand access to maternal mental health care to ensure that every family in America can thrive. The full fact sheet from is available here.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases/underwoods-momnibus-passes-house-build-back-better-act-makes-largest,Underwood’s ‘Momnibus’ Passes House in Build Back Better Act; Makes Largest Investment to Advance Birth Equity in American History,2021-11-19,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Lauren Underwood,U000040,underwood.house.gov,underwood,https://underwood.house.gov/media/press-releases,scraper,"WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Lauren Underwood (IL-14) celebrated the inclusion of every eligible provision of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 959) in the Build Back Better Act, which passed the House. As a co-founder and co-chair of the bipartisan Black Maternal Health Caucus with Representative Alma Adams (NC-12), Underwood introduced the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act (H.R. 959) in February 2021, a sweeping package of 12 bills to end the U.S. maternal health crisis. Every eligible provision of Underwood's Momnibus legislation was included in the Build Back Better Act, along with a permanent expansion of yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage in every state—the largest investment in American history to eliminate preventable maternal mortality, end racial and ethnic disparities in outcomes, and advance birth equity across the country. The Momnibus provisions of the Build Back Better Act, led by Underwood, will grow and diversify the perinatal workforce, including midwives and doulas; invest in community-based organizations working to promote maternal health equity; address social determinants of health like housing, nutrition, and environmental conditions; and expand access to maternal mental health care to ensure that every family in America can thrive. ""I'm proud to see my Momnibus legislation pass the House through the Build Back Better Act. Combined with critical expansion of yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage, this will be the largest investment in American history to save moms' lives and advance birth equity and justice across the country,""said Rep. Underwood. ""I am grateful to President Biden and Vice President Harris, Speaker Pelosi, Leader Schumer, Senator Booker, and Committee Chairs for their support of my Momnibus legislation and their leadership to address our nation's maternal health crisis. We need to pass the Build Back Better Act in the Senate immediately and get it to the President's desk to be signed into law: moms can't wait."" The United States has the highest rate of pregnancy-related mortality among high-income countries, and the only rate that is rising. Maternal mortality rates for Black and Native Americans are 2-4 times higher than rates for white Americans, and Hispanic and AAPI people also experience disproportionately high rates of maternal mortality and morbidity. The Build Back Better Act makes the largest investments in American history to save moms' lives, end racial and ethnic maternal health disparities, and advance birth equity across the United States, including every eligible provision of the Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act and permanent yearlong postpartum Medicaid coverage. The Build Back Better Act: Provides $175 million in funding for local entities to address social determinants of maternal health like housing, nutrition, and environmental conditions – including a minimum of $75 million exclusively for community-based organizations working to promote maternal health equity. Provides $295 million to grow and diversify the perinatal health workforce, including nurses, midwives, physicians, doulas, and maternal mental and behavioral health professionals – including $50 million specifically for doulas. Provides $100 million for maternal mental health equity grant programs. Provides $85 million to address the impacts of climate change-related maternal and infant health risks through health professional schools. Provides $50 million to advancematernal health researchat Minority-Serving Institutions like Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and AAPISIs. Provides $50 million to promote representative community engagement in Maternal Mortality Review Committees. Provides $210 million to strengthenfederal maternal health programs like the CDC's Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies program, Enhancing Reviews and Surveillance to Eliminate Maternal Mortality (ERASE MM), Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), Perinatal Quality Collaboratives, and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). Provides $60 million to expand access to maternal health equitydigital tools. Provides $50 million for bias trainings among health care professionals. The Build Back Better Act also includes a mandatory, permanent expansion of yearlong postpartum Medicaid & CHIP coverage in every state with full state plan benefits throughout pregnancy and the yearlong postpartum period, as well as an investment in maternal health homes under Medicaid to provide coordinated maternity care.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-danny-k-davis-support-build-back-better-act-november-18-2021,"Congressman Danny K. Davis In Support of the Build Back Better Act - November 18, 2021",2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Danny K. Davis,D000096,davis.house.gov,davis,https://davis.house.gov/media,scraper,"I ran for Congress to help people in Chicago, in Illinois and across the country achieve the American dream. The Build Back Better Act represents a transformative investment in children, families, workers, businesses, and the planet that will improve health and well-being, advance economic and environmental justice, meaningfully address climate change, and grow our economy while asking the wealthiest and most secure to pay their fair share. The pandemic has harmed tens of millions of Americans - disproportionately hurting African Americans and other communities of color, women, seniors, and children. This bill meets immediate needs for food, shelter, medical care, and child care as well as long-term needs for quality education, good-paying jobs, safe roads and water, and a healthy environment. I am deeply proud that many priorities that I have championed are included in this historic bill. It provides 4 weeks of paid family and medical leave for workers so that they do not face the inhumane choice of caring for loved ones or financial ruin. Lower-income workers and workers of color are much less likely to have any paid leave, yet are more likely to need it due to greater health challenges and less savings to weather caregiving without pay. As Chair of the Subcommittee with jurisdiction over paid leave, I have worked closely with Ways and Means Chairman Neal and advocates to shape this equity-generating, universal benefit. The bill enhances the Earned Income Tax Credit to improve the economic well-being of millions of childless workers and noncustodial parents – with new help for younger workers, foster and homeless youth, and seniors. I’ve fought for these improvements for over a decade via my Responsible Fatherhood Act. These changes will help 17 million adults nationwide and over 600,000 in Illinois. It provides $2 billion to train workers with barriers to employment – including people with records - for careers in the allied health professions. This provision will help Chicago State which has a stellar Health Profession Opportunity Grant program and expand programs like those offered by the Safer Foundation to help people with records become successful healthcare professionals. It helps vulnerable students by making Pell non-taxable and removing the lifetime ban on the American Opportunity Tax Credit for past felony drug convictions. It incents substantial private investment in solar energy that will reduce electricity costs for tens of millions of low-income individuals while making the air they breathe safer. It contains strong labor provisions so that our investments in green energy benefit workers as well as businesses. It includes $1 billion for to help justice-involved individuals obtain employment and training services via the Reentry Employment Opportunities Program. It makes sure that people leaving prison have Medicaid coverage to improve health and successful reentry. It includes $2.5 billion for public health approaches to reduce community violence and advance trauma interventions, which I have championed via the RISE from Trauma Act. It helps restore fairness to the tax code by rolling back the Republicans’ punitive limit on the State and Local Tax deduction to hurt citizens in blue states like Illinois. The pandemic hit Black renters with children especially hard, with 29 percent reporting that their household is not caught up on rent. Further, in 2020, Black and Latino families with children were more than twice as likely to suffer food insecurity as white households. The Build Back Better Act addresses racial and economic inequities for communities of color and rural and underserved communities. It dramatically reduces child poverty via a substantial Child Tax Credit, raising a projected 4.1 million children above the poverty line and cutting child poverty by more than 40 percent. In October alone, the advanced CTC gave caregivers in my Congressional District over $30 million to provide food, shelter, and other necessities for 121,000 children. This bill makes the largest investment in affordable housing and community development in half a century – over $145 billion – and it feeds the hungry with $10 billion for nutrition. It makes Americans healthier by decreasing the cost of health insurance and medication, expanding medical services, investing $1 billion in community health centers, and providing tremendous funding to reduce health inequities. It makes the largest investment in child care in our nation’s history, saving most families more than half of their spending on child care. Further, it makes historic investments to care for seniors and individuals with disabilities so that they can receive care in their homes and communities, recognizing the need to care for our aging population. It makes the largest expansion of free education since our country established public high schools a century ago. It provides universal and free preschool for all 3- and 4-year-olds, promoting racial equity in education. In addition, it expands access to affordable higher education by increasing the Pell grants by $550 for more than 5 million students, creating grants to close the college completion gap, and investing in Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions, including Predominantly Black Institutions like Malcolm X, Olive-Harvey, and Chicago State. This legislation invests billions in small businesses, including $1.6 billion for minority owned business and $105 million for education and financial assistance for the formerly-incarcerated to form businesses to create jobs in their communities. Further, it ensures the largest effort to combat climate change in American history. I am honored to vote for this once-in-a-generation legislation. I came to Congress to make this type of momentous change. I urge my colleagues to pass it.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://davis.house.gov/media/press-releases/congressman-davis-applauds-cbo-estimates-build-back-better,Congressman Davis Applauds CBO estimates for Build Back Better,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Democrat,House,IL,Danny K. Davis,D000096,davis.house.gov,davis,https://davis.house.gov/media,scraper,"November 18, 2021 Late this evening, the Congressional Budget Office released final numbers for Build Back Better. Davis said, “Based upon these lower estimates, we can move forward and Build Back Better for all Americans – especially for people who need help and need help now. The estimates include: The cost elements came in lower than the White House estimates – in the ballpark of $50bn lower cost. The savings from the prescription drug reforms came in $50bn higher – at $300bn compared to the White House’s estimate of $250bn. That means that the bill will be more than fully paid for. As long understood, CBO’s numbers on tax enforcement are lower than the Treasury’s estimates. Democrats have long known and anticipated this – will not be an issue.",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z https://lahood.house.gov/2021/11/lahood-s-route-66-legislation-passes-out-of-committee-unanimously,LaHood's Route 66 Legislation Passes Out of Committee Unanimously,2021-11-18,2021,2021-11,Republican,House,IL,Darin LaHood,L000585,lahood.house.gov,lahood,https://lahood.house.gov/press-releases,scraper,"Washington, D.C. – This week, the House Natural Resources Committee unanimously passed Congressman Darin LaHood's bill, H.R. 3600 - Route 66 National Historic Trail Designation Act. The legislation would designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail, which will expand economic and historic development opportunities across all communities and states Route 66 runs through. The legislation can now move to the full House of Representatives for a vote. “Route 66 is a crucial transportation artery that connects America’s heartland to the west,” said Rep. LaHood. “The Mother Road provides powerful economic development tools for communities throughout Illinois, creating jobs and opportunity for 18th District residents. Designating Route 66 as a National Historic Trail would provide this highway with a permanent program to preserve, promote, and economically develop it. I applaud the House Natural Resources Committee for unanimously passing my legislation and urge the House to swiftly pass this important bill."" Last week, Congressman LaHood provided testimony before the House Natural Resources Committee in support of his legislation: With the legislation passing out of committee, the bill can now come before the full House of Representatives for a vote. Related: LaHood Bill to Designate Route 66 as a National Historic Trail Receives Hearing at House Natural Resources Committee",1,2026-03-30T01:40:41Z,2026-04-06T20:30:49Z