Chicago Defender Endorses Illinois Incumbent Members of U.S. Congress
The Chicago Defender endorses the following incumbent U.S. Congressmen and Congresswoman
By Kai EL’ Zabar
About the Incumbents
Since the convening of the 112th Congress in 2011, Rush has served as the Ranking Democratic Member of the House Energy & Commerce Committee’s Energy and Power Subcommittee. As Ranking Member, one of Rush’s top priorities has been to increase opportunities for minorities within all sectors of the energy industry. In this Congress, Rush has introduced the 21st Century Energy Workforce Development Jobs Initiative Act of 2014 (H.R. 4526). This bipartisan bill establishes a comprehensive program to improve the education and training of workers for energy-related jobs, with an emphasis on increasing the number of skilled minorities and women trained to work in such jobs.
During his tenure, Rush has brought more than one billion dollars to the 1st Congressional District. Through his determined advocacy, he has led efforts to fund major infrastructure projects in the district such as the reconstruction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Lovana S. ‘Lou’ Jones/Bronzeville Metra Station, the CREATE Englewood Flyover, the CTA Red Line Reconstruction, and the CTA Red Line 95th Street Station Renovation. Over the years he has obtained millions of dollars in grants for libraries, museums, municipalities, police departments, hospitals, schools and programs that support the arts.
Most recently Congressman passed the following Bills
* U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) hosted an information session on federal grant opportunities on Tuesday, March 8, 2016 at Chicago State University.
Legislative Highlights
From his very first year in office, Rush focused on issues of importance to low and middle-income families and communities. In 1993, as a freshman in the 103rd Congress, Rush introduced bills on issues as diverse as Conflict Resolution and Mediation to Public Pensions and Community Development.
During his tenure, Rush has brought more than one billion dollars to the 1st Congressional District. Through his determined advocacy, he has led efforts to fund major infrastructure projects in the district such as the reconstruction of the Dan Ryan Expressway, the Lovana S. ‘Lou’ Jones/Bronzeville Metra Station, the CREATE Englewood Flyover, the CTA Red Line Reconstruction, and the CTA Red Line 95th Street Station Renovation. Over the years he has obtained millions of dollars in grants for libraries, museums, municipalities, police departments, hospitals, schools and programs that support the arts.
Today, Rush continues to carve an effective course of sound legislative leadership that protects consumers, supports our military personnel, creates jobs, expands businesses, ensures access to quality healthcare and promotes America’s national energy policy. As Rush looks to the future, the needs and interests of the people he serves in the 1st Congressional District of Illinois remain front and center.
U.S. Congressman Danny Davis
Danny K. Davis was chosen by the people of the 7th Congressional District of Illinois as their Representative in Congress on November 5, 1996. He has been re-elected by large majorities to succeeding Congresses.
In the 113th Congress, Representative Davis serves on Oversight and Government Reform including subcommittees: Economic Growth, Job Creation and Regulatory Affairs; Energy Policy, Health Care and Entitlements; and Subcommittee on Human Resources and the Committee on Ways and Means including the Subcommittee on Oversight. Congressman Davis is a member of several Congressional Caucuses including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Progressive Caucus, the Urban Caucus, the Community Health Center’s Caucus, and the Congressional Sugar Caucus.
Congressman Davis has distinguished himself as an articulate voice for his constituents and as an effective legislator able to move major bills to passage. He has developed a unique and energetic style of communication and interaction with his constituents setting up dozens of advisory task forces to consider significant questions of public policy. He hosts several weekly television and radio shows which feature audience call in and produces regular written reports to every household in the district.
In the 113th Congress Representative Davis has indicated a focus on issues of job creation, poverty, health care, education, youth and criminal justice reform.
Congresswoman Robin Kelly
Since her election in 2013, Congressman Robin Kelly has worked to expand economic opportunity and promote public safety, sponsoring numerous bills to generate job growth and end gun violence.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, Kelly serves on key committees, including the Foreign Affairs Committee and its Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.
Representative Kelly is a member of seven House Caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus, the Women’s Caucus and the General Aviation Caucus. She currently chairs the CBC’s Healthcare Braintrust, which works to address health disparities and improve health outcomes for all Americans. A particular area of focus for the Congresswoman as Health Braintrust Chair is dental care as she strives to increase oral health care opportunities for children, senior citizens and residents of underserved communities.
Having served at every level of government, Kelly brings extensive legislative and leadership experience to the 2nd District. She began her government service as community relations director in the Village of Matteson. She was later elected to the Illinois House of Representatives and sponsored bills supporting economic development, increasing the minimum wage and protecting consumers from fraud. She also led the fight for landmark legislation to protect victims of domestic violence and improve public safety.
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