Poverty
Last Thursday, the United States of America reached its debt limit. U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said that extraordinary measures need to be taken to avoid the United States defaulting on its debts. We must raise the debt ceiling. This is not new spending; it is paying the bill for programs we have already approved. Republicans would rather cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, plus help the rich cheat on their taxes, than follow through with our obligations. It is time my colleagues put the livelihood of Americans first.
Last week, we experienced four of the hottest days ever recorded on earth. Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the world, and it is a direct threat to our children and our planet. Last Congress, we passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which is the largest ever federal investment in our climate, but we must do more to help ensure a habitable planet for our children.
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.
Last week, the Supreme Court handed down a series of misguided rulings that will make it harder for individuals to achieve the American dream. These rulings—on affirmative action, LGBTQIA+ rights, and student loans—are the result of a corrupt, right-wing majority on the Supreme Court that is working against the wishes and interests of the American people.
I hope you all had a joyful Thanksgiving holiday! I know I enjoyed spending quality time with my family. It was great to be back in the 9th Congressional District for an extended period of time after 10 straight weeks of voting in Washington, D.C. I love being out and about in our community, whether I am visiting a school, touring a new small business, or speaking with fellow shoppers at my local Jewel, it is always great to be home.
Right now, Congress has until the end of September to fund our government and avert a shutdown. It is my hope that we can quickly reach a bipartisan agreement to temporarily extend current spending levels. I will keep fighting to ensure that any continuing resolution we consider is free from poison pill policy provisions. Too much is at stake. This is not a game.
My dear friend, Dr. Paul Farmer, transformed the lives of millions of marginalized people around the world, bringing them health care, justice, and dignity. To honor his vision for realizing global health equity, I, alongside my colleagues Reps. Barbara Lee and Raul Ruiz, introduced the Dr. Paul Farmer Memorial Resolution. This resolution lays out a 21st century global health strategy that proposes significantly increasing global health aid to $125 billion per year, reforming aid to focus on building national health systems, and putting an end to the exploitation of impoverished countries.
Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) will be joined by Representatives Haley Stevens (MI-11), Brenda Lawrence (MI-14), Andy Levin (MI-09), Debbie Dingell (MI-12), Congresswoman Robin Kelly (IL-02), and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27) will be joined by Saru Jayaraman, President of One Fair Wage, as well as restaurant workers and other advocates to demand an end to subminimum wage for tipped workers.
EVANSTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced the details of the $3.4 million she secured for specific community projects throughout the 9th Congressional District.