Energy & Environment
Today, our nation faces unprecedented environmental and energy challenges. As a member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I am committed to promoting sustainable and renewable clean energy development, achieving energy independence through use of sustainable 21st-century technologies and increasing energy efficiency. I am also a strong environmentalist and believe we have a special responsibility to protect natural resources and species, national parks and wilderness areas and the future of our planet.
Having lived near Lake Michigan for my entire life, I have a particular interest in Great Lakes protection. I am working hard to promote clean air and clean water, prevent global warming, and prevent toxic emissions that threaten public health. More than any other issue, our approach to the environment will determine the health, well-being, and security of the American people and determine our ability to compete in the 21st century economy.
More on Energy & Environment
On Friday, I voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding legislation. This monumental funding package will have major implications for generations to come.
This week, I was excited to begin welcoming guests to my new office in the Rayburn House Office Building. Now, I have a magnificent view of the United States Capitol. I am so appreciative to my staff who worked so hard to make this move happen. If you are ever in Washington, please come by and check out my wonderful new space!
WASHINGTON – Today,Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, applauds the passage of the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act, which prohibits the despicable act of deliberately inflicting pain on a horse to force them into an exaggerated high-stepping gait known as the big lick. The bill, which she introduced alongside Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), and Congressman Vern Buchanan (FL-16), passed the House of Representatives last night by an overwhelming 304 to 111 bipartisan vote.
On Friday, the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis issued an order that halts the Biden administration from disbursing any student loan relief funds until the court rules on an emergency request by six Republican-led states to block the policy.
Last week, President Biden announced he is pardoning all Americans who have been convicted of simple marijuana possession under federal law. The executive order will benefit 6,500 people with federal convictions. The criminalization of marijuana and this nation's failed ‘War on Drugs' has devastated our communities of color.
On Friday, Congress passed legislation to continue funding the government, avoiding a government shutdown. A shutdown would have sidelined federal services, such as anti-poverty food assistance and customer service functions at the Social Security Administration.
History was made in Washington this week when President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act. This law makes the largest-ever federal investment in addressing the threat of climate change, lowers prescription drug costs, and implements commonsense measures to make wealthy individuals and corporations finally pay their fair share in taxes.