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Dear Friend,
It has been a busy past two weeks both in Washington and at home in Illinois. Here in Illinois, I presented the Calumet City Fire Department with almost $2,000,000 in grants from the federal government and held a Black Women and Girls Task Force event in Kankakee. In Washington, I have been working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate to introduce two vital pieces of legislation; the NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act, and the Responsible Firearms Marketing Act. Both these bills address critical issues impacting the well-being of our communities in Illinois’ Second Congressional District, and our nation as a whole.
Calumet City Fire Department Award Presentation
On May 8th, I was honored to present the Calumet City Fire Department with a $1,806,870.00 Staffing for Adequate Fire Emergency Response Grant and a $90,900.00 Assistance to Firefighters Grant. I thank the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Department of Homeland Security for awarding both these grants to help strengthen our local fire department in Calumet City.
These grants will play an important roll in allowing Calumet City to hire more firefighters to keep their community safe. Congress must ensure that these types of grants can continue to be awarded to our communities by providing these federal agencies with the funding they need.
Black Women and Girls Task Force Event in Kankakee
Last week, my Black Women and Girls Task Force met to discuss how Black women and girls can take charge of their health. As the Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls, I understand the unique health challenges that Black women and girls face. That's why I'm working in Washington to reduce bias and improve outcomes for Black women in healthcare. I am so proud of the work that our Task Force is doing to address these issues and ensure that everyone has access to the healthcare they need.
The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act
Earlier this week, I introduced the NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act with U.S. Senators Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Susan Collins (R-ME), along with Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA.-01). The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act builds upon the National Institute of Health’s current policies to enhance the inclusion of women, racially and ethnically diverse individuals, and people of all ages in all NIH-funded trials.
The NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act will:
- Require the National Institute of Health to work with clinical trial sponsors to develop clear and measurable recruitment and retention goals based on disease/condition prevalence as well as a rationale for specified goals and a recruitment plan
- Ensure the availability of less burdensome follow-ups during clinical trials, including fewer follow-ups, phone participation, and weekend hours to increase participation of underrepresented populations
- Launch a public awareness campaign across federal agencies related to research participation opportunities
Ultimately, the NIH Clinical Trial Diversity Act will help produce higher quality medical research throughout the United States.
The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act
On Thursday, I introduced the Responsible Firearms Marketing Act with U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), which would direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to study the dangers posed by unfair and deceptive marketing and advertising practices conducted by the gun industry.
The Responsible Firearms Marketing Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to study the marketing and advertising practices of gun manufacturers, importers, and dealers, including those which might:
- Target individuals younger than 18 years of age
- Encourage illegal use of a firearm
- Relate to the sale of semiautomatic assault weapons
This legislation is a much-needed step toward protecting our children against irresponsible firearm use in our communities.
If you would like to share your thoughts with me, feel free to visit my website at https://robinkelly.house.gov/. You can also keep in touch through Facebook and Twitter. Please know that my door is always open to you.
Sincerely,
Robin Kelly
Member of Congress
OFFICE LOCATIONS
Chicago District Office | 1642 E. 56th Street, Suite 110 | Chicago, IL 60637 | Phone: (773) 321-2001
Danville District Office | 425 N. Gilbert Street, Suite 5 | Danville, IL 61832 | Phone: (217) 516-4556
Matteson District Office | 600 Holiday Plaza Dr. Suite 505 | Matteson, IL 60443 | Phone: (708) 679-0078 | Fax: (708) 679-0216
Washington DC Office | 2329 Rayburn HOB | Washington, DC 20515 | Phone: (202) 225-0773 | Fax: (202) 225-4583
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