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
Welcome to the 118th Congress! In all my years in Congress, I have never experienced a week quite like last week. Instead of fighting for the American people, Republicans spent the week fighting against each other.
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.
Last week was another busy week in Washington! After 24 years in Congress, I am finally moving to an office in the Rayburn House Office Building that has a beautiful view of the United States Capitol. I look forward to welcoming you to my incredible 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, released the following statement following House and Senate passage of the Respect for Marriage Act:
“Seven years ago, love won. The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the fundamental right to marriage is guaranteed to same-sex couples.
“But, in recent years, this sacred right, along with many others, have come under attack by the extreme right-wing Justices of the Supreme Court.
On Thursday, my treasured friend, Nancy Pelosi, announced that she will be leaving House leadership, but will remain in Congress representing her beloved city of San Francisco. This week marks 16 years since I was able to second her nomination as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives.
WASHINGTON – Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), Raúl M. Grijalva (AZ-03), and Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04) led 14 Members of Congress in calling on the Department of State to support Indigenous human rights leaders in Guatemala, including Sofia Tot Ac.