LGBTQ Equality
I am a founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, because I believe that we must work to prevent and end discrimination against individuals based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Unfortunately, many people suffer from discrimination throughout their day, whether it is at school, in the workplace, in hospitals or even walking down the street. I have joined with my colleagues in the LGBT Equality Caucus and other members of the House of Representatives to support a number of initiatives addressing discrimination where it is felt.
We must end discrimination in the workplace, in access to benefits like Social Security and health care, and in immigration policies. I am a long-time supporter of the Equality Act, which we passed in 2019 and awaits Senate action, and my own office employment policy includes language that bans hiring discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender self-image or identity.
I am committed to the idea that consenting adult couples should be able to enjoy all of the protections afforded by marriage, regardless of their sexual orientation.
More on LGBTQ Equality
CHICAGO - Today, ahead of the Chicago Pride Parade, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in celebration of Pride Month:
WASHINGTON – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) released the following statement in response to President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:
“Tonight, President Donald Trump spent nearly two hours lying to the American public. I found this speech insulting and disrespectful to millions, including myself. Trump is not doing anything to help working people. What ever happened to his promise to lower costs? He wants to gut health care and take food out of the mouths of poor children to give $4.5 trillion in tax cuts to his billionaire supporters.
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.
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. He made the largest ever investment in our climate. He fought for every American – he advocated for workers’ rights, and championed LGBTQ+ and women’s rights. I thank President Biden for his decades of unrelenting service.
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).
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:
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.