Press Releases

WASHINGTON D.C. (November 2, 2011) — Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) released the following statement in a Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee hearing on insurance coverage for women's preventive health services including contraception:

"The attention this Committee has focused — and continues to focus — on the private lives of women makes clear that one of the goals of the majority is to end access — not just to abortions — but to family planning.

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.

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.

"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.

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.