Jan's Plans & Pans - June 27, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

After seven straight weeks in Washington, I wish I could tell you that Congress passed legislation to better the lives of everyday Americans. Unfortunately, I cannot. House Republicans spent the majority of the time putting forward legislation that has no chance of becoming law. Last week was a perfect example. In a partisan power grab, House Republicans voted to censure Rep. Adam Schiff based on false claims that he has ‘dishonored the House of Representatives.’ And on Thursday, Republicans approved a resolution referring articles of impeachment against President Biden to the Committee on Homeland Security and the Judiciary Committee. These actions have no merit, and the American people deserve better.

Further, this past Saturday marked the devastating anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, stripping millions of Americans of their bodily autonomy. Roe saved lives, and the decision to restrict access to abortions is dangerous, irresponsible, and is a step backwards in history. That is why, last week, I joined 210 other House Democrats in signing a discharge petition to bring the Women’s Health Protection Act to a vote. This bill would finally ensure reproductive freedom for all, and I am committed to doing everything in my power to make this happen.

Talk to you next week,

Schakowsky Speaks at International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers Legislative Conference

I loved meeting with District 141 representatives of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union. Thank you to President Martinez and the government affairs team for inviting me to speak at the legislative conference. Together we will win the fight for working families over corporate profits. We are union strong!

Schakowsky Helps Break Ground on Sarah's Circle Development  

We are the richest country in the world, every person deserves a safe and secure home.

I was honored to attend the groundbreaking of Sarah's Circle’s latest project that will provide Permanent Supportive Housing for even more women experiencing homelessness. When we fight, we win.

Schakowsky Celebrates New High-Speed Rail Line in Illinois

In Illinois, we are moving full speed ahead towards a safer, more convenient, & accessible transit system.

I was honored to join Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Dick Durbin, Former Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, and so many others to celebrate the new high-speed passenger rail service that will connect Chicago to St. Louis.

Upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours

An immigration attorney that was representing constituents and working with a Constituent Advocate in my District Office wrote:

"In late 2019, Mr. and Mrs. T had been waiting 3 ½ years for an interview on their application for political asylum. They were anxious to complete their interview so their 9 year-old daughter could join them in the U.S. When they fled their country 4 years earlier, in fear for their lives, they left their daughter in the care of her grandmother and great-grandmother.

"After the couple was granted asylum in early 2021, Rep. Schakowsky’s office asked USCIS to give expedited treatment to their petition for their daughter to join them in the U.S. as soon as possible. While that petition was pending, they learned that their daughter was seriously ill. With the help of Rep. Schakowsky, Mrs. T was able to get a travel document so she could go be with her daughter immediately.  

"Rep. Schakowsky’s office then worked with USCIS and the State Department to expedite the processing of their daughter’s visa, as well as a tourist visa for the daughter’s doctor, who flew to the U.S. to ensure the daughter’s safety and comfort during the flight, and mother, daughter, and doctor arrived safely in the U.S. in January 2022. Thanks to Rep. Schakowsky’s unwavering support, the daughter has been receiving cutting-edge medical and therapeutic treatment at one of the world’s best pediatric hospitals, and she is expected to make a full recovery." 

Passport Renewal

As the summer travel season approaches, be sure to check your passport before you book travel! This year, the U.S. State Department has seen an unprecedented number of passport applications. To put things into perspective, last year, my office assisted with 422 passport cases. Since January of this year, my office has already handled 529 passport cases. 

Current processing times for passports are: 10-13 weeks for routine and 7-9 weeks for expedited. These times are subject to change and are posted on the Dept. of State Website.  Please apply well in advance of your travel date – if your travel date is sooner than the current processing times, you may not get your passport in time for travel.

Please remember that emergency in-person appointments at the Chicago Passport Agency are intended for emergencies and availability is not guaranteed unless it is a life or death emergency! These appointments are not and have never been intended for routine renewal. If you have upcoming travel you should NOT plan on receiving an appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency. Passport renewals are intended to go through the mail.

Did you know that many countries require your passport to be valid for several months beyond your date of travel? Depending on your destination, validity requirements can vary from 3 to 6 months beyond the date of travel! You can check the requirements for your destination on the Dept. of State Website under "International Travel" and "Country Information".

If you have planned travel and have a pending application that may not arrive on time, or if you need an emergency appointment at the Chicago Passport Agency, the Constituent Advocates in my District Office are happy to help! Please call the office at 773-506-7100, or you can open a case with my office online.