Catching Up with Quigley: Week of January 19
This week, I voted against the DHS Appropriations bill and fought to secure other vital funds for our district.
1. Introduced Amendment to Cut ICE and CBP Funding
Yesterday, I introduced an amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill that would cut funding for ICE and CBP, unless major changes are made to DHS conduct. I also testified in front of the Rules Committee, sharing how the administration has no regard for children and has taken much-needed law enforcement away from child trafficking cases.
Unfortunately, my amendment was rejected by the Republican-led committee. Because of this, and for many more reasons, I voted no on the DHS Appropriations bill. I cannot in good conscience vote to fund an agency that continues to harm innocent people across the country.
Read the Axios coverage of my amendment HERE.
Watch my full testimony in front of the Republican-led Rules Committee HERE.
2. Secured Over $4 Million for District Projects on Safety, Public Health, and Flood Mitigation
I also secured over $4 million for our district and the greater city of Chicago through Community Project Funding! These funds will replace ballistic vests for the Chicago Police Department, update Barrington's wastewater treatment plant, replace all lead service lines in Arlington Heights, and reduce flooding in Graceland West.
Community Project Funding allows lawmakers like me to set aside funds in federal appropriations bills to address specific needs in our districts. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I help craft these bills and advocate for funding infrastructure and social services. Since 2021, I have been proud to secure over $40 million dollars in Community Project Funding for Chicagoland.
Learn more about where this $4 million investment is going HERE.
3. Visited North Side Housing Men's Shelter
I also visited one of North Side Housing's men's shelters this week. Facilities like this one provide meals, restrooms, and places to rest for people in need.
But under the Trump administration, funds for these programs are at stake. Trump's Housing Department has already cut 50% of the funds allocated to prevent homelessness. And more cuts are coming. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I fought to save funds for housing and homelessness this week.
Learn more about my visit to the shelter HERE.
If you or someone you know is worried they could be detained, please use my office's Immigration Protection Kit. You can also call my office for additional assistance, as we have Spanish speakers on staff.
Please don't hesitate to contact my office if you have questions or to share your opinions and concerns during this period. 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. You can also sign up for in-the-moment updates on my work by following me on social media @RepMikeQuigley or texting "QUIGLEY" to (773) 200-2854.