Year in Review
Dear Friend,
As 2015 draws to a close, I'd like to thank you for staying connected to my office. My ability to effectively represent Illinois' Fifth District in Congress is tied directly to how you and I communicate, and I ask that you remain engaged with my office in the coming year.
Moving forward into 2016, I will continue to use my position in Congress to fight to improve the economy and help increase the safety of families, individuals, and communities across my district, as well as the nation. Below is a short list of work I was proud to accomplish for the Fifth District in 2015, and some of the issues I will continue to champion in 2016.
As always, it is an honor to serve you. My district staff remains available to assist with any federal issue you might have, including passports, Medicare, veterans' benefits and more. You can also connect with me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
Happy Holidays,
Mike Quigley
Environment and Climate Change
The science is in and the facts couldn't be more clear - climate change is real and human activity is to blame. Extreme weather patterns and poor air quality are only some of the many effects of climate change felt by Americans today. I will continue to advocate for legislation that addresses climate change and helps us adapt by calling on my colleagues to recognize the threat it poses to biodiversity and public health. In recent years, the Chicagoland area has experienced unprecedented urban flooding. Senator Dick Durbin and I introduced the Urban Flooding Awareness Act to address increased flooding in urban communities and find solutions to protect residents from devastating damage. I will rededicate myself to protecting the environment in 2016 so future generations can enjoy the many wonders of our world.
Neighborhood Safety
On the heels of the most recent tragedy in San Bernardino, I will be pushing harder than ever to make 2016 the year that Congress finally takes action against gun violence. As a leader in this fight, I have introduced multiple bills this year to establish a voluntary code of conduct for licensed gun dealers, create better background checks on firearms, and end the nearly two decade ban on gun violence research. Most recently, I pushed to close the "terror gap" loophole that allows individuals on the FBI's Terrorist Watchlist to buy a firearm. Next year, I will continue to pursue more action and policies like these to keep our children, families, and communities safer.
Transportation & Infrastructure
As a member of the Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee, I've been an advocate for the economic development of the Chicagoland area. This year, my "Mike on the Move" initiative emphasized how the federal government can support transportation and infrastructure investments across the Fifth District. I also fought to successfully secure an extension to the Positive Train Control (PTC) deadline, ensuring that Metra and Amtrak will be able to continue serving their customers while finishing the implementation of this critical safety technology. I pushed for the passage of the Long-Term Highway bill, which secured investments for highway and public transit projects that will update our aging transportation infrastructure. I remain honored to serve on the Appropriations Committee and will continue to support infrastructure improvements in America's transportation system.
Intelligence Committee
This year, I was appointed to serve on the influential House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (HPSCI). Representing Chicago, one of the nation's largest cities and a major hub for travel and commerce, I bring to the committee a unique understanding of the national security challenges we face. In my first year alone, I helped oversee the passage of the Protecting Cyber Networks Act, which encourages voluntary information sharing between businesses and agencies to mitigate cyber attacks. As part of the Intelligence Committee, I also advocated for the resettlement of Syrian refugees in the U.S. I believe the government has both the capability and responsibility to strike the proper balance between protecting our nation's security and safeguarding the civil liberties of its citizens and will continue to serve as a watchdog over our intelligence agencies.