Media

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:

CHICAGO – Saturday marked 20 years since President Bill Clinton signed the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) into law on September 13, 1994. The landmark legislation creates critical protections for victims of domestic violence and dramatically strengthens the nation’s criminal justice response to violence against women. Rep. Jan Schakowsky released the following statement about the anniversary:

“The Violence Against Women Act has been absolutely vital in saving the lives of women and their families. We must continue to strengthen our response to these crimes and deepen our commitment to all survivors. Here are some of the critical impacts VAWA has made so far: