Issues
Seniors
Every day, 10,000 Americans turn 65 years old. As the Co-Chair of the House Democrats Task Force on Aging and Families in the House of Representatives, I believe it is essential that we nurture a culture that respects older Americans and that protects the financial and health security that Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid provide.
Labor
The American dream has always been that anyone who works hard can succeed and leave their children – and our country – better off. Generations of American workers have built our country – our roads and bridges infrastructure, health and educational systems, service and manufacturing sectors. We owe it to them and to future generations to provide employment and opportunity.
Women's Issues
By protecting women, we protect families. As a former co-chair of the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues, I have long fought to protect the rights of women, including full and equal economic opportunity through equitable pay and employment opportunities.
Democracy and Voting Rights
A fundamental building block of our democracy is the right of American citizens to vote and choose their representatives. We must do everything in our power to make sure that citizens maintain their voice in our society so that government works for the interests of all Americans, not just those who can afford to make large campaign contributions.
Gun Violence Prevention
I believe that we have a responsibility to keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and other dangerous individuals, and I will always speak out in favor of common-sense gun violence prevention legislation. Gun violence is a pervasive problem in the United States. I often hear from constituents living in the 9th District who feel the impacts of this violence firsthand. They are seeking so
Poverty
The American tradition has always been that anyone who works hard can succeed, yet too many hard-working Americans are locked into poverty because they lack the opportunities with which to build a successful future. It is a national disgrace that more than 1 in 5 children live in poverty – that they lack the basic housing, nutrition and educational opportunities with which to reach the middle-class or beyond.
Immigration
As a first-generation American, I know firsthand the tremendous contributions immigrants have made to our nation. The 9th Congressional District of Illinois is one of the most diverse in the country. Our neighbors come from all corners of the globe, as evidenced by more than fifty languages spoken at many of our schools.
Civil and Human Rights
Our government is founded on the belief that individuals have a number of “inalienable rights” enshrined in the Constitution. I believe that the protection of those rights is a fundamental obligation for each member of Congress, and I take that duty very seriously. It is important that we work to end discrimination and human rights abuses wherever they occur.
Consumer Protection
My political career began as a consumer advocate when I led the successful campaign in 1969 to put freshness dates on products sold in the supermarket. I am a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, where I serve as the Chairwoman of the Consumer Protection subcommittee.
Housing
Housing is a basic need, and I believe that no one should face homelessness, an unfair or deceptive mortgage, or barriers to accessible housing.
Economy, Jobs & Taxes
Our country's strength and success is based on our robust middle class. These days, too many American families feel that the American Dream is slipping away – they are worried about finding good jobs, sending their kids to college, losing the equity in their homes, and even foreclosure.
Education
As a former elementary school teacher, I believe that we need to ensure that all children have fair, equal access to a high-quality public education. The future of our economy and the success of our country depend on a renewed commitment to public education.
Health
Fixing our broken health care system has been my top priority for most of my life. My goal is to ensure that every person has access to affordable, quality and accessible health care. It is a national shame that our nation spends more than any other country in the world but fails to guarantee access to health care.
Foreign Policy/National Security
We live in a dangerous world, and our foreign policy and national security strategies must protect the American people by addressing modern threats. As a former member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (members are term limited to 8 years), I take national security very seriously.