Press Releases
CHICAGO – Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a founding member of the Congressional LGBT Equality Caucus, issued the following statement upon the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear a series of marriage equality cases:
“Today’s decision by the Supreme Court is another in a series of victories for LGBT equality. I am very happy for LGBT couples in Wisconsin, Indiana, Virginia, Utah and Oklahoma who can now marry and receive the same treatment under the law as traditionally married couples.
CHICAGO –Today, the Department of Labor announced that 248,000 jobs were added and the national unemployment rate fell to 5.9 percent in September. Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement in response:
Today’s jobs report marks significant progress in our economic recovery. 248,000 jobs were added, bringing the total jobs added this year above 2 million. For the first time since the Great Recession began in 2008, our national unemployment rate fell below 6 percent. September was also the 55th straight month of private sector job growth.
3.6 Million Americans have lost benefits, including more than 195,000 Illinoisans
Rep. Jan Schakowsky speaking during Witness Wednesday in June about the need to Renew Unemployment Insurance.
September 29, 2014
ILLINOIS DELEGATION MEMBERS CALL FOR INVESTIGATION INTO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL FACILITY SABOTAGE
After second fire this year, review of emergency protocol necessary to help prevent future incidents that could disrupt air traffic and jeopardize safety
(Washington, D.C.) Rep. Schakowsky released the following statement in response to Attorney General Eric Holder’s announcement that he will resign from his position:
“Attorney General Holder has dedicated his career to making this country better and more just for all Americans. I’m grateful for all that he has accomplished over the past six years in the Obama Administration.
CHICAGO – Last night, the Department of Treasury announced new rules to reduce incentives for American companies to perform tax inversions. Under an inversion, U.S. companies merge with a foreign partner and move their headquarters outside of the country to reduce their tax liability. Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement in response:
Rep. Jan Schakowsky sent a letter to Shaun Donovan, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget on Thursday, urging him to use his authority to increase funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). The 2014 Farm Bill authorized a funding increase for TEFAP, and Rep. Schakowsky stated that it is her understanding that despite no specific increase for the program in the recently-passed Continuing Resolution to fund the government, the Administration has the authority to take that step. The text of the letter can be found below.
The Honorable Shaun Donovan
Director
Office of Management and Budget
725 7th Street, NW
Washington, DC, 20503
Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky introduced the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act (VSIA). In light of the numerous failures of the GM recall and other issues with auto manufacturers, this legislation will establish several new important consumer protections to improve driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety. Rep. Henry A. Waxman, Rep. Frank Pallone, Jr., Rep. Bobby L. Rush, Rep. Diana DeGette, Rep. G.K. Butterfield, and Rep. Paul D. Tonko signed on as original cosponsors of the legislation. Please see the below video message from Rep. Schakowsky on the VSIA.
Rep. Schakowsky on Her Legislation to Protect American Drivers
Earlier this year, the General Motors’ recall of vehicles with faulty ignition switches captured the nation’s attention. At least 19 people died and an untold number of crashes resulted from the defect and GM’s failure to alert its customers. That is why I have introduced the Vehicle Safety Improvement Act. Please see my video message on this bill to protect American drivers.
Washington, DC – President Barack Obama spoke yesterday about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta. The strategy has four key goals to address the epidemic:
- Controlling the epidemic at its source in West Africa;
- Mitigating second-order impacts, including blunting the economic, social, and political tolls in the region;
- Engaging and coordinating with a broader global audience; and,
- Fortifying global health security infrastructure in the region and beyond.
Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement on the President’s strategy to address the Ebola outbreak: