Catching Up With Quigley: Week of January 13

Dear Friend,

I hope you had a good week. I wanted to let you know about some of the work I did this week defending vulnerable populations and standing up for the truth.

1. Defended Trans Youth, Opposed Bill Empowering Discrimination

Instead of focusing on lowering prices for American families or addressing the natural disaster in California, Republicans have used the first weeks of the new Congress to attack vulnerable populations. This week, they chose to target kids by bringing to the floor a bill that would impose a nationwide ban on transgender kids participating in school sports. This federal takeover of school sports goes further than most of the anti-trans state bills that have passed in the last couple of years, and it opens the door to subjecting all female students to invasive tests to "prove" that they're a girl. While reasonable people may have differing opinions on eligibility requirements for elite sports, this bill imposes a blanket, nationwide ban on transgender kids participating in school sports at any level.

The legislation they brought to the floor this week is not only a waste of Congress's time but harms all young people – including and especially the young women Republicans purport to want to protect.

As I said on the House Floor: Trans kids deserve to play sports just like their peers, and Congress must not bar them from the field.

2. Called for Justice and Accountability for January 6 Insurrection

This week, I spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives to remind my colleagues that we need a clear accounting of what happened on January 6, 2021, and clear accountability to ensure it never happens again. Unfortunately, under this incoming President and Congress, it appears we will get neither.

In 2022, Congress commissioned a memorial to be installed on the front of the Capitol listing the names of those who defended the Capitol on that fateful day. Three years later it has yet to be mounted. I expect more from my colleagues across the aisle. I won't stop demanding better until the law enforcement who defended us on January 6 get the recognition they deserve.

3. Announced My Committees for the 119th Congress

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This week, Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries re-appointed me to serve on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. This committee serves a vital role, linking the intelligence community to the individuals shaping our laws. I am pleased to be returning to the Committee at a time when our national security is quickly evolving, and our international relationships are more important than ever. This reappointment presents an important opportunity to hold the incoming administration accountable and to more effectively serve my constituents in the Chicagoland area.

In addition to the Intelligence Committee, I will also continue my work this Congress on the House Appropriations Committee where I will keep fighting to ensure that our district, city, and region, receives the funding it needs to confront the unique challenges of our time.

Do you want to stay informed on my work in Congress? Sign up for text messages by texting "QUIGLEY" to (773) 200-2854.

If you need help with a passport renewal, student loans, or getting in touch with a federal agency, our office may be able to assist you. You can call my DC office at (202) 225-4061 or my Chicago office at (773) 267-5926. You can also email me through my website at Quigley.house.gov/contact. 

Sincerely,

Mike Quigley