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
Last week, I voted against another ridiculous, xenophobic bill put forward by the House Republicans. The Schools Not Shelters Act is designed to bar schools and universities from giving shelter to asylum seekers, and it is a thinly veiled attempt to demonize immigrants seeking a better life in the United States. Chicago is a welcoming community, and we are working hard to house the migrants being bussed to our city by Texas Governor Greg Abbott. My colleagues claim this bill is about protecting children, but it is not, and I was glad to vote against it.
Our greatest security threats have no military solutions, and it is time our budget reflects that. Last week, I voted against the final passage of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This bill, that originally came out of committee with pay raises for our service members and civilian federal employees, turned into a MAGA manifesto with the addition of a series of extremist Republican amendments.
Last week, the Supreme Court handed down a series of misguided rulings that will make it harder for individuals to achieve the American dream. These rulings—on affirmative action, LGBTQIA+ rights, and student loans—are the result of a corrupt, right-wing majority on the Supreme Court that is working against the wishes and interests of the American people.
On Friday, the Supreme Court granted the Department of Justice’s emergency stay application in Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine v. FDA, preventing a lower court decision from going into effect that would have put women’s health at risk and undermined FDA’s medical judgment. For now, Mifepristone, which is used in 54% of all abortions, remains safe, legal, and available. But let me make it clear – the battle is not over. I will continue to fight and advocate for bodily autonomy and reproductive freedom.
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.
As the holiday shopping season begins, we must ensure that toys bring joy, not injury. For 37 years, Illinois PIRG Education Fund has released the Trouble in Toyland report, which has helped shape toy safety regulations since the 1980s. Last week, I attended a press conference at Lurie Children’s Hospital to discuss the findings of the report. Thankfully, since the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act became law 14 years ago, the number of dangerous toys has decreased.
WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement condemning a federal judge in Texas' ruling that an Affordable Care Act provision requiring employers to provide coverage for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) medication violates the religious rights of employers: