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.
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. This order does not prevent borrowers from still applying for student debt relief at studentaid.gov. I encourage you to apply if you have not done so already. Nearly 22 million Americans have already applied for the program.
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. People of color are four times more likely to be arrested on cannabis charges – and are often targeted for longer prison sentences.
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. The legislation contains $18.8 billion for domestic disaster recovery efforts, including Western wildfires, floods in Kentucky and hurricanes in the Southeast. For some reason, 201 House Republicans voted against this bill. They wanted to shut down the government, just as the federal response to Hurricane Ian is beginning.
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. Furthermore, small businesses and families making under $400,000 will not have to pay a penny more in taxes.