Schakowsky Delivers for Illinoisans, Consumers, and Working Families in Government Funding Package

WASHINGTON - Today, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after voting in favor of the twelve-bill government funding package, which invests millions of dollars in projects throughout Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, implements measures to keep Americans safe and healthy, and provides resources for social programs that support our families, workers, and communities:

“Today, I voted in favor of the Fiscal Year 2023 government funding legislation. This monumental funding package will have major implications for generations to come. Not only does this omnibus package secure over $26 million in funds for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District, but it also protects American consumers and makes critical investments in American families and workers.

“For years, we have seen many worthy projects in our community go underfunded. Whether it be school programs, community centers, or infrastructure needs, public funding has come up short or has been non-existent. I am proud to announce, thanks to the passage of this spending package, I will be bringing home $26,239,331 for 15 vital projects throughout Illinois’ 9th Congressional District. This will provide needed funding for our community. I will continue fighting every single day to ensure that all people in the 9th Congressional District have the resources they need and deserve.

“I am privileged to serve as the Chairwoman of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, which has worked all Congress in a bipartisan manner to protect Americans and deliver lifesaving results. I am proud that many of the crucial bipartisan pieces of legislation we worked on are included in the omnibus. The INFORM Consumers Act will help curb the onslaught of dangerous, counterfeit, and stolen products available to Americans shopping on online marketplaces, the STURDY Act will keep dangerous furniture products that can injure and kill children off the market and out of our homes, and the RANSOMWARE Act will require the FTC to report cross-border complaints received that involve ransomware or other cyber-related attacks committed by certain foreign entities.

“The funding package will also make needed investments in government agencies that have a direct impact on the well-being and safety of Americans. Over $1 billion will go to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to keep Americans safer on our nation’s roads and highways. This comes as early estimates point to a record increase nationwide in fatalities from motor vehicle crashes. Last year, over 43,000 Americans died from motor vehicle crashes. The Federal Trade Commission, which protects American consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices, will receive $430 million, which is an increase of more than $53 million and is enough for about 267 new full-time employees. For the first time in nearly a decade, the National Labor Relations board, which is the agency responsible for protecting workers’ right to organize, will see an increase in their budget. This will help the Biden administration deliver on its pro-union agenda. I am also thankful to see the robust, long-overdue investment in the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) operations, which is critical for constituents to access operational support at SSA, so that seniors, individuals living with disabilities, widows/widowers, and families are able to access the resources they need.

“I am proud that the Lymphedema Treatment Act, which I have worked on for many years, was included in this package. It will expand access to medical compression garments and help up to three million Lymphedema patients on Medicare. I am also glad to see an extension and funding of the Money Follows the Person program and protection against spousal impoverishment for people who need home and community-based services. Additionally, I am thrilled that the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act and the PUMP Act, to protect pregnant workers and grant them reasonable accommodations in their places of employment, are included in the omnibus.

“Furthermore, in the midst of a nationwide mental health crisis, I am pleased to see expanded access and investments in mental health services, including for children and seniors on Medicare. This, in addition to increased investments in nursing workforce programs, the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program, and federally qualified community health centers, will help millions of Americans across the country.

“I was also grateful to see that this package includes:

• Critical funding that will go towards our continued fight against climate change, including an additional $40.6 billion in emergency funds for communities recently impacted by the increase in natural disasters and extreme weather events. 
• Domestic funding that puts Americans and their families first by investing in our kids' education, expanding child care, early learning programs, access to nutritious foods
• Funding to increase access to housing 

“After more than 80 years, I was thrilled to see provisions included that would update our nation’s cosmetic laws - giving the Food and Drug Administration mandatory recall authority, further regulating added chemicals like PFAS, fragrance, and talc. However, I was disheartened to see that these new provisions will preempt states that have already implemented their own cosmetics laws and regulations.  

“While this bipartisan legislation includes several strong federal investments, I am disappointed that many problematic provisions were included, and numerous important measures were left out. Harmful and discriminatory restrictions on federal funding for abortions were once again included in the appropriations package and funding for family planning and sexual health programs under Title X was flat-funded. This comes just months after the rogue Supreme Court stripped away bodily autonomy from millions of Americans and in the midst of a reproductive health care crisis in our nation.

“Despite being disappointed that the Department of Defense is receiving an unnecessary 10% increase, even more funds than President Biden asked for, over last year’s budget, I am glad to see that our service members will receive a pay increase, the basic needs of military families will be taken care of, and an additional $21 billion will go towards veterans’ health care. 

“One of the key components of this appropriations package is that it strengthens democracy at home and abroad. On Wednesday, I was honored to attend Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's address to Congress. Over the last ten months, President Zelenskyy’s inspiring, heroic leadership has rallied his people and the world to fight back against Russia’s brutal, unlawful invasion of Ukraine. This package will provide another consequential round of security and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. Domestically, the Electoral Count Act was included to thwart any future attempt to disrupt the peaceful transition of power. Renewing democracy around the globe begins by working hard to strengthen its foundations at home.

“This funding package will change countless lives. I thank my dear friend, Appropriations Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, for her steadfast leadership and hard work bringing this package to the floor for a vote. The appropriations package now heads to President Biden’s desk, where he will sign it into law.”

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