Consumer Protection
Last week, I had the unique responsibility of questioning the CEO of TikTok when he came before the Energy and Commerce Committee. It is clear to me that in most ways, TikTok is like all the other Big Tech companies. They can use Americans’ data any way they want. Exclusively banning TikTok would be letting Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms off the hook and would leave our consumers and our children unprotected. We need a comprehensive data privacy bill.
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. Some highlights include speaking with students at Mosaic School of Fine Arts in Rogers Park and Crystal Lake High School, touring Xylem, the largest employer in Morton Grove, and visiting Clearbrook West, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in McHenry County.
This week, I discuss the continuing fight for the right to abortions for women. I also discuss legislation I introduced on price gouging and provide some other updates.
Fans are incredibly frustrated by how hard it has become to buy event tickets. With every ticketing debacle, from Beyoncé to Taylor Swift, and so many more, their frustration grows. Help could soon be on the way! My bill, the TICKET Act, just passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming support and would help make the ticketing process easier for all. Consumers deserve to be protected from fraudulent tickets, surprise costs, and excessive fees.
This week, I talk about the baby formula shortage and our work to swiftly address it. I also discuss the bills we have passed to prevent price gouging and some other important updates.
As you may have heard, Kroger, which owns Mariano's, announced plans to purchase Albertsons, which owns Jewel. This could have major implications for grocery prices in our community. Kroger posted record earnings during the pandemic, including $132 billion in 2020. At the same time, Kroger decreased worker pay by 8.1%. This merger would lead to less competition, even higher grocery prices, and layoffs for employees. We must put American families first. I am proud to join Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) in calling on the FTC to block this deal.
Thank you to the people of Illinois' 9th Congressional District for choosing me, once again, to be your voice in Congress. It is truly an honor! I will continue to fight for a more equitable and just world. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you need assistance. Whether it be a Social Security problem, an immigration case, or a postal issue, just to name a few, my office is here to help.
On Thursday, my treasured friend, Nancy Pelosi, announced that she will be leaving House leadership, but will remain in Congress representing her beloved city of San Francisco. This week marks 16 years since I was able to second her nomination as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. In my nominating speech back in 2006, I promised that she was going to be a leader for every day, hardworking Americans. Today, I can proudly say that she went above and beyond the duties of her office.