Media

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutierrez, and Mike Quigley sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy in support of the Agency’s consideration of a stronger standard for ground-level ozone (smog) pollution. Smog pollution poses serious risks to public health, including asthma. Children, the elderly, and those who work outdoors are most vulnerable to its impacts.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today a Grand Jury in St. Louis County has decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown. Rep. Jan Schakowsky issued the following statement on this decision:

“I am very disappointed that the Grand Jury decided not to indict Officer Darren Wilson for this summer’s shooting death of Michael Brown. Like many Americans, I am frustrated by a lack of accountability for this tragedy.

An indictment in this case would have prompted a trial in which all aspects of Michael Brown’s death would be carefully weighed and considered, and justice could have been served.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement upon word of an extension of the Joint Plan of Action (JPOA) negotiations between Iran and the P5+1 countries (United States, Russia, China, United Kingdom, and France, plus Germany):

“I am disappointed that the parties to the Joint Plan of Action nuclear negotiations were unable to reach an agreement by today’s deadline, but I support the decision to continue these talks until July 1, 2015. I will work with my colleagues to see that nothing is done to impede the negotiations as they continue.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in response to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel’s announcement that he will resign from his position:

“I thank Chuck Hagel for his long service to our country – as a Vietnam veteran, a Congressional staffer, a deputy administrator of the Veterans Administration, a United States Senator, and the Secretary of Defense.

CHICAGO – “I praise President Obama for his bold announcement on immigration this evening. I’m very grateful that he has decided to use his legal authority to protect families in my district and around the country who want nothing more than to keep their families together and work hard to achieve the American dream.

WASHINGTON, DC – “I am horrified and outraged by the senseless murders of worshipers in Jerusalem today, and I condemn those who brought violence into a place meant for peaceful reflection and prayer. I offer my deepest condolences to those who lost their lives in this cruel attack, in addition to their families and loved ones and I hope for the speedy and full recovery of those who were injured.

CHICAGO – On Friday, Jane Byrne, the first and to-date only woman to serve as Mayor of the City of Chicago, passed away. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement in honor of Byrne’s leadership and legacy:

CHICAGO – Today, Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Luis Gutiérrez and Mike Quigley sent Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) Director Mel Watt a letter asking that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac not sell foreclosed properties in specific Chicago neighborhoods until a meeting is held to ensure continued access to affordable housing in those neighborhoods. The Representatives issued the following statement regarding their request: