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Issues

Our country has come a long way since 2008 when our nation experienced the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. Since that time, I’m proud to say our economy has significantly recovered. Unemployment has been cut in half, household wealth now exceeds pre-crisis levels, and we’ve had the longest streak of private-sector job growth in our history. However, it’s indisputable that too many Americans still aren’t experiencing the benefits of our growing economy.

An investment in our children's education is an investment in our country's future.


Protecting our environment is a top priority of mine and one of the reasons I entered public service. I will continue working with my colleagues to address the realities of climate change, and will dedicate my time in Congress to supporting legislation that protects our communities and develops strategies to combat the many threats facing our environment.

Since coming to Congress in 2009, I have been a strong supporter of policies that will improve the overall health of my constituents. This includes supporting the Affordable Care Act, advocating for robust biomedical research funding and protecting Medicare for seniors.

The United States has always been a nation of immigrants. It’s essential that our immigration policies reflect this country’s rich history of diversity and the countless contributions that immigrants have and continue to make. History tells us that comprehensive immigration reform raises wages, creates jobs, and generates additional tax revenue. That’s why I will continue to work towards pragmatic solutions that reform our broken immigration system, keep our borders secure, and provide a pathway to citizenship for the millions of undocumented immigrants currently living in the shadows.

During my 8 years as a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I gained a unique understanding of the threats facing our country and what we are doing t


Whether it’s fighting for marriage equality, opposing senseless discrimination, or standing up for those who cannot defend themselves, I believe that we must be guided by doing what’s right, what’s fair, and what’s just. Our country is at its best when all voices are heard and represented equally and we must always strive towards that goal.

Transportation and infrastructure has served as the backbone of our economic success for generations. But today, our crumbling infrastructure is slowing economic growth and hurting our ability to create jobs. Now more than ever, it is important to invest in long-term projects seeking to modernize our national infrastructure, provide efficient and safe transportation of goods and people, and reduce congestion and pollution.

Securing robust federal funding through the appropriations process is critical for safety and economic growth of the Fifth District, Chicago, and Illinois. And as your representative, I will continue to be a strong advocate for critical investments that continue to position Chicago as a 21st century city.

Women must be free from government interference to make these choices about what is best for their health and their families. Choice is not solely a “women’s issue”. It’s a civil rights issue and an American issue. And as your representative in Washington, I will always stand up for women’s reproductive rights.

Our nation is enduring a gun violence epidemic. Sadly, the tragedy of gun violence in America is compounded by another tragedy in Congress: the tragedy of inaction. That’s why I refuse to standby idly while thousands of Americans die each year due to gun violence.

Good government is best characterized by openness, honesty and integrity. Transparency in government promotes accountability and helps foster public trust. As Justice Brandeis said, “Sunlight is the best of disinfectants.” That’s why I have made government reform, transparency and fiscal responsibility priorities during my time in Congress.

It is no secret that Moscow has a longstanding desire to undermine the liberal democratic order led by the United States. Vladimir Putin’s goal to erode public trust in the democratic process is evident by his intrusion in our election, but also by his willingness to disrupt the electoral process across Europe. We must continue our efforts to ensure Russia never meddles in our democracy again. Their actions not only threaten our democratic process and our founding ideals but also our economy and security.

Every day that I serve in Congress in Washington, D.C., I walk through our Capitol, which serves as a symbol of freedom and democracy at home and around the world.