Civil and Human Rights
Our government is founded on the belief that individuals have a number of "inalienable rights" enshrined in the Constitution. I believe that the protection of those rights is a fundamental obligation for each member of Congress, and I take that duty very seriously. It is important that we work to end discrimination and human rights abuses wherever they occur.
In my work in the House of Representatives, where I was previously a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Vice Chair of the Human Rights Commission, I do my best to make sure a proper balance between security and liberty is maintained, and that government's reach into our private lives is kept to a minimum.
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A fundamental building block of our democracy is the right of American citizens to vote and choose their representatives. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. If you need information on your polling place, or would like to locate a ballot drop box location, please go to Elections.IL.Gov. I encourage everyone to make their voice heard if you have not already.
I am back in Washington this week, and tomorrow, the House of Representatives is poised to pass a clean continuing resolution to keep our government open and funded through the end of the year. I am glad Democrats and Republicans were able to reach a bipartisan agreement to put the needs of everyday Americans first. Too much was at stake.
There is no doubt in my mind that President Joe Biden will go down in history as one of the most consequential presidents of all time. In his one term in office, President Biden created more jobs than any previous administration in the same time span. He lowered prescription drug prices and capped insulin for Medicare beneficiaries at $35 a month.
WASHINGTON- Today, on the 34th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) reintroduced the Eleanor Smith Inclusive Home Design Act. This legislation would make new homes more accessible for those living with disabilities, including many of our seniors and veterans.
WASHINGTON - U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) led 41 colleagues in filing a brief with the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to support the Juliana v. United States youth plaintiffs – 11 of whom are Oregonians. Juliana v. United States is a landmark lawsuit brought by 21 young Americans against the U.S. Government for contributing to the climate crisis. The lawmakers urged the Ninth Circuit to grant these young plaintiffs’ request for en banc review, in which a full panel of judges would reconsider their lawsuit, so they can proceed to trial and stop the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) effort to silence them.
EVANSTON - As Pride Month comes to a close, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in commemoration of Pride Month:
"Every June, we come together to recognize Pride Month and celebrate the strength and beauty of our vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. The 9th Congressional District is one of the most diverse districts in the country, and it is my belief that nobody should be discriminated against due to their gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. No matter who you are, or who you love, you are treasured just the way you are.
Last week, I joined nearly all Democrats in voting against passage of the shortsighted and harmful National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.
EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), released the following statement commemorating Juneteenth National Independence Day:
"Today, on Juneteenth National Independence Day, we celebrate freedom. It was on this day, 159 years ago, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with word of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. At long last, the remaining slaves were freed.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after voting against final passage of H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025:
As always, I had a great week back in the 9th Congressional District! Not only was I able to host a wonderful Seder dinner for my friends and family, but I also had a fantastic time out and about in our community.