Consumer Protection
Once again, House Democrats saved the day by helping pass a continuing resolution, averting a catastrophic shutdown of the government. A total of 106 Republicans, nearly half of the entire House Republican Conference, voted against the continuing resolution and were prepared for a government shutdown. This is now the third time that Democrats have stepped up to prevent a shutdown. With the passage of this legislation, we have extended the deadlines to pass our appropriations bills to March 1st and March 8th.
This week, I update you on the latest actions of the Biden Administration, and talk about some of the concerns we have within Congress of one of our own members.
Last week was another busy week here in Washington thanks to several press conferences, constituent meetings, and bill introductions! We also spent a lot of the week deliberating on committee assignments. I am proud to announce that I am the Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, formerly known as the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, of the Energy and Commerce Committee. The Chair of the subcommittee is my friend, Rep. Gus Bilirakis from Florida.
Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that. Last week, I voted against the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill, that originally came out of committee with pay raises for our service members and civilian federal employees, turned into a MAGA manifesto with the addition of a series of extremist Republican amendments.
Last week, I voted against another ridiculous, xenophobic bill put forward by the House Republicans. The Schools Not Shelters Act is designed to bar schools and universities from giving shelter to asylum seekers, and it is a thinly veiled attempt to demonize immigrants seeking a better life in the United States. Chicago is a welcoming community, and we are working hard to house the migrants being bussed to our city by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. My colleagues claim this bill is about protecting children, but it is not, and I was glad to vote against it.
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. He made the largest ever investment in our climate. He fought for every American – he advocated for workers’ rights, and championed LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. I thank President Biden for his decades of unrelenting service.
This week, I discuss the latest efforts by the House of Representatives to put in place both gun safety and privacy protection laws. I also reflect on the prime-time hearing held by the January 6th Select Committee and I commemorate LQBTQ+ Pride month.