Press Releases
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 9th 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.
WASHINGTON D.C. (October 11, 2011) —Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.)released the following statement after Senate Republicans blocked action on President Obama's American Jobs Act:
"Tonight, every Republican in the Senate voted to block action against a common sense plan to create jobs vitally needed to boost economic recovery. Republicans are now on record against jobs for American workers, rebuilding our infrastructure and preventing layoffs.
WASHINGTON D.C. (October 5, 2011) — Today, Rep. Jan Schakowsky offered an amendment to H.R. 2681, the "Cement Sector Regulatory Relief Act.... H.R. 2681 would indefinitely delay the EPA's ability to reduce mercury emissions from cement kilns. Rep. Schakowsky's amendment would include in the bill's findings the scientific fact that mercury emitted from cement kilns is a potent neurotoxin that can damage the development of an infant's brain. Rep. Schakowsky issued this statement after a failed vote on the amendment: