Civil and Human Rights
Our government is founded on the belief that individuals have a number of "inalienable rights" enshrined in the Constitution. I believe that the protection of those rights is a fundamental obligation for each member of Congress, and I take that duty very seriously. It is important that we work to end discrimination and human rights abuses wherever they occur.
In my work in the House of Representatives, where I was previously a member of the Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and Vice Chair of the Human Rights Commission, I do my best to make sure a proper balance between security and liberty is maintained, and that government's reach into our private lives is kept to a minimum.
More on Civil and Human Rights
EVANSTON – Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) issued the following statement commemorating Black History Month:
On Monday, President Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States and, almost immediately, issued a slew of executive orders that attack our fundamental freedoms.
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a joyful and restful holiday season. This week, I was back in Washington for the start of the 119th Congress. It is the honor of a lifetime to be your voice in Congress, and I am looking forward to continuing the fight on behalf of everyday Americans.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement after voting against final passage of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA):
“Today, I refused to support House Republicans' National Defense Authorization Act. Not only does this harmful bill exacerbate an already over-bloated Pentagon budget, authorizing nearly $900 billion in additional spending for the Department of Defense, but it also attacks some of the most vulnerable among us.
I hope you and your family are taking time to enjoy the holiday season! With so much going on right now, it helps to take a step back and reflect on all the good things in the world.
Thank you to the people of Illinois’ 9th Congressional District for once again choosing me to be your voice in Congress. It truly is the honor of a lifetime! The fight for equal rights for all, an economy that works for everyday Americans, not just the rich, reproductive rights, and environmental protections goes on. Keep the faith. Let's get to work.
A fundamental building block of our democracy is the right of American citizens to vote and choose their representatives. Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. If you need information on your polling place, or would like to locate a ballot drop box location, please go to Elections.IL.Gov. I encourage everyone to make their voice heard if you have not already.
I am back in Washington this week, and tomorrow, the House of Representatives is poised to pass a clean continuing resolution to keep our government open and funded through the end of the year. I am glad Democrats and Republicans were able to reach a bipartisan agreement to put the needs of everyday Americans first. Too much was at stake.
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.