In July, we voted on two big reauthorization bills, the first of which was the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The price tag on this year’s NDAA authorization bill we just passed in the House was $886 billion – a total that will likely rise by the time it becomes law. Authorizing ever-increasing military spending each year does not make us safer; rather, it feeds ineffective national security strategies that are rooted in the outsized influence of defense companies. Our massive military spending comes at the expense of adequate investment in all other domestic priorities. To put this into perspective, with less than a tenth of the cost of this year’s NDAA, we could fund universal childcare in this country. In addition, conservatives added provisions that would undermine service members' access to abortion and gender affirming care while eliminating diversity initiatives. I voted “no” on the bill.
We also voted on the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which would reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). I voted for this bill because it takes important steps forward to expand workforce development pathways across the aviation industry; it also includes new protections for consumers, like requiring airlines to reimburse flyers for tickets, hotels, and meal costs in the event of mass cancellations. Mid-sized airports across the country – including Midway Airport – will see increased investments from this bill.
As a senior member of the Transportation & Infrastructure (T&I) Committee and the chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus' FAA Task Force, I led the effort to include stronger worker protections and other important progressive priorities in this bill. And I acknowledge that the bill as it currently stands is far from perfect. It increases the retirement age for pilots, and I am very disappointed that my amendment to strike this change was voted down by Republicans on the Rules Committee. As this bill moves to the Senate, I will continue to advocate for a final version of the bill that does more to improve the passenger experience, improve conditions for workers, and creates the fairer and more resilient aviation system we deserve.
I also continued to fight for our immigrant communities. And since conservatives who control the House are unwilling to work on meaningful immigration reform, I’m focused on policy changes the executive branch can make. I led a letter with 35 of my colleagues urging the Biden administration to expand access to work permits for immigrants in Chicago and across the country. Many of my constituents have worked and paid taxes for years but still live without the freedom and stability that comes with a work permit. Expanding work permits will help bring that stability to people and also help employers address our country’s historic labor shortage.
As my colleagues and I in Congress fight to expand legal work pathways, we're also continuing our work to improve worker safety and conditions across the industries. Last week, I stood alongside Rep. Greg Casar from Texas on the steps of the Capitol as he demanded President Biden implement a federal heat standard and ensure workers have a right to heat and water breaks. Driven by climate change, extreme heat is becoming more common and workers need these live-saving protections.
