Press Releases

WASHINGTON D.C. (October 31, 2011) — Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) released the following statement in response to an executive order signed by the President directing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to broaden reporting of shortages of certain prescription drugs and expedite regulatory reviews that can help prevent shortage. A study from the American Hospital Association earlier this year found that more than 80 percent of surveyed hospitals delayed needed treatments and restricted access to drugs to manage a depleting supply of drugs.

WASHINGTON D.C. (October 27, 2011) — Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) joined other members of Congress, national religious leaders and current Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients at a Safeway supermarket to kick off the week-long national Fighting Poverty with Faith Food Stamp Challenge. For a week Rep. Schakowsky will live on $31.50 worth of food, the average weekly benefit for a food stamp recipient.

SNAP, formerly called Food Stamps, provides an essential safety net for American families and more than half of SNAP recipients are children.

WASHINGTON D.C. (October 24, 2011) —Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)released the following statement in response to changes announced today by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) designed to help homeowners take advantage of low interest rates:

"I am pleased to learn of the FHFA's adjustments to HARP, which will allow many homeowners to avoid foreclosure.

WASHINGTON D.C. (October 21, 2011) —Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)released the following statement in response to President Obama's announcement of the withdrawal of virtually all U.S. troops from Iraq by end of 2011:

"I applaud President Obama's announcement that he will bring our brave military men and women home from Iraq by the end of the year.

As a founding member of the Out of Iraq Congressional Caucus, I have consistently opposed President Bush's decision to get us into an unnecessary, unfunded war that has cost our country the lives of over 4,400 American soldiers and uncounted innocent Iraqi civilians.

"Today, I join with Israelis and friends around the world in celebrating the return of Gilad Shalit. Shalit's release, after five long years in captivity, is a cause for great joy and hope for the future.

Human beings should never be used as bargaining chips. We share in the Shalit's joy and relief at the safe return of their son.

In his first interview today, Shalit said, 'I hope this deal helps achieve peace between both sides, Israel and the Palestinians.'

CHICAGO, I.L. (October 18, 2011) —Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)released the following video message from Lake Michigan in recognition of the anniversary of the Clean Water Act.

Transcript of video:

"Hi, I am Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, out here on a windy day on Forest Beach in the 9^th District. Today we celebrate the anniversary of the Clean Water Act, legislation that has protected American water sources for 39 years.

Protecting Programs Critical to Seniors' Health and Financial Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. — House Democratic Caucus Seniors Task Force Co-Chairs Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA) sent a letter to members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction yesterday to reject proposals that would reduce benefits to programs for older Americans and cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security in a way that worsens financial and health risks of senior citizens at a time of economic hardship.

Constituents Invited to Participate

WASHINGTON, DC (October 11, 2011) — Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) announced plans to host her first-ever Twitter town hall on Thursday, October 13, 2011 from her Twitter account @janschakowsky. Constituents are invited to submit questions, ideas, and comments via Twitter on Thursday from 9:00 am CST to 12:00 pm CST. Rep. Schakowsky will answer questions on Thursday at 6:00pm CST/7:00pm EST.