Issues
The Second Congressional District is one of the most diverse regions in our nation. It is a microcosm of our country – home to not only urban and suburban communities, but rural areas as well. And it is our strong rural sector, with nearly 1,200 farms, that serves as the economic backbone of our district. Farmers in the Second Congressional District generate millions of dollars worth of corn, soybeans and wheat every year that feed our families, fuel our cars and help raise our livestock.
Consumer safety and protection is vital to all citizens. It is a duty of Congress to make sure that consumer products are safe and not causing unreasonable safety hazards to consumers. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection and Commerce, I have worked hard to defend consumers and provide proper oversight. I am committed to creating the best regulations for consumers by:
The strength of our education system directly impacts our nation's ability to compete in the global marketplace. Today, the next generation of great innovators, businessmen, and scientists are sitting in classrooms across the country. Prioritizing our students is the safest and smartest investment we can make as a nation.
We are experiencing a climate crisis. Changing weather and natural disasters have created challenges for Illinoisans throughout the state. Addressing climate change and moving toward clean, sustainable energy sources is one of the most pressing issues facing our country.
Our district is no stranger to the gun violence epidemic. In 2021, 797 lives were claimed by gun violence in Chicago, and 174 in the Second Congressional District. This does not count the many wounded and injured or the communities that are left traumatized. Too many of our families have been affected by senseless gun violence.
Access to affordable and high-quality health care is one of the most important and challenging issues facing Illinois families. The health inequities laid bare by COVID-19 have shown that lack of access to health care can have devastating outcomes. In Congress, I'm working to ensure that racial and ethnically diverse communities, as well rural and urban communities, have access to affordable health care because health care is a human right.
America is a nation of immigrants; it always has been and always will be. I’m proud of my heritage, including ancestors from Cameroon, Ireland and Ukraine.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted every corner of the American economy. Many businesses closed, unemployment reached a level not seen since before World War II, and supply chains were disrupted. Women,especially women of color, were driven from the workforce at higher rates than we have seen in decades. Fortunately, due to Congressional action in passion the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan, the impact was lessened and the economy began growing again.
While we've made significant progress on equality for our LGBTQ+ Americans, work remains to ensure true and lasting equality for this community and all American families.
In Congress, I'm committed to advancing legislation that ensures all Americans can live their American Dream, regardless of who they are or who they love. My priorities include:
In today's global economy, maintaining strong relationships with foreign nations is essential to our national economy and security. Our foreign policy approach must increase trade, promote economic growth, and advance democratic principles while protecting the health, safety, labor and environmental rights of all nations.
When our nation was founded, I would not have been able to vote or serve in Congress as a Black woman. In the years since our founding, we've come a long way toward ensuring gender equality for all Americans. However, true and lasting equality remains elusive. Women are still paid less for doing the same job as men; women-owned businesses have reduced access to capital, and transgender women still face discrimination and barriers to success.
America's seniors have spent a lifetime paying into Social Security, saving for their retirement, and preparing for their golden years. They deserve to be able to collect on all of their hard work. That's why I'm working hard to ensure that Social Security is preserved not only for current retirees, but for generations of seniors to come.
As the daughter and granddaughter of small business owners, I know firsthand how small business ownership can help a family achieve the American Dream.
Technology and telecommunications are rapidly changing our world. From the new changes in social media to the emerging concerns of data privacy, the future of technology is here. We need federal policies that guarantee technology is regulated and can be used as a tool for all Americans to succeed.
We owe it to the men and women who wear our country's uniform to ensure that they – and their families – receive the benefits and respect they've earned for their service. Illinois has more than 500,000 veterans, and my goal is to ensure none of them are left behind.