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 - As Pride Month comes to a close, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in commemoration of Pride Month:
"Every June, we come together to recognize Pride Month and celebrate the strength and beauty of our vibrant LGBTQIA+ community. The 9th Congressional District is one of the most diverse districts in the country, and it is my belief that nobody should be discriminated against due to their gender identity, expression, or sexual orientation. No matter who you are, or who you love, you are treasured just the way you are.
Last week, I joined nearly all Democrats in voting against passage of the shortsighted and harmful National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. The original NDAA that passed out of committee 57-1 included numerous provisions that would make life better for service members and their families, including a 19.5% pay raise for junior enlisted troops, a 4.5% increase for all other service members, increased investments in childcare, and a restoration of the full Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH).
EVANSTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), released the following statement commemorating Juneteenth National Independence Day:
"Today, on Juneteenth National Independence Day, we celebrate freedom. It was on this day, 159 years ago, that Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with word of President Abraham Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation. At long last, the remaining slaves were freed.
WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after voting against final passage of H.R. 8070, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025:
As always, I had a great week back in the 9th Congressional District! Not only was I able to host a wonderful Seder dinner for my friends and family, but I also had a fantastic time out and about in our community. Some highlights include speaking with students at Mosaic School of Fine Arts in Rogers Park and Crystal Lake High School, touring Xylem, the largest employer in Morton Grove, and visiting Clearbrook West, a non-profit organization that supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in McHenry County.
Gun violence is one of the most serious public health threats we face. In fact, gun violence recently surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of death for American children. Future generations are counting on us to stop this horrific epidemic.
Last Congress, after nearly 30 years of inaction, Congress was able to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which closed gun law loopholes and implemented new gun violence prevention policies. But our work is far from over - we need universal background checks, safe storage laws, and an assault weapons ban.
After months of far-right extremists hijacking our appropriations process, Congress has completed the final part of the FY 2024 budget, which will help Americans deal with high prices, sides with the hard-working middle class, protects women’s rights, and reinforces America’s global leadership. I am pleased to report that my final community project funding request was approved, which means, in total, I will be bringing home nearly $19 million to the 9th Congressional District of Illinois.
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the House Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee, released the following statement after House passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, a package of six domestic funding bills focused on helping families and communities across the United States. The legislation will provide American families relief from the higher cost of living, combat climate change, and honor America’s commitments to its veterans and servicemembers.