Jan's Plans & Pans - August 9, 2023

Dear John xxxxxx,

In an increasingly digitized world, protecting consumers must be a top priority. Last month, I spoke at the White House to help launch the U.S. Cybersecurity Labeling Program for Consumer Technology, a crucial initiative that will protect Americans from cyberattacks by creating a safety label for devices that meet government cybersecurity standards. This label, the Cyber Trust Mark, will help consumers make informed purchasing decisions and incentivize manufacturers to meet higher cybersecurity standards, thus making our country more secure. I look forward to working with the White House to roll out this program.

Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting some wonderful organizations that serve the 9th Congressional District. I presented Apna Ghar—a non-profit that provides critically needed resources and mental health support to survivors of gender-based violence—with a $300,000 check thanks to the Federal Community Project Funding program. Apna Ghar will use this federal funding to establish a mobile advocacy unit, allowing them to provide services to community members all over the Chicago area. I also visited ICNA Relief, a phenomenal organization whose Chicago location provides culturally affirming meals, family services, and health care to over 10,000 people every month. I am so grateful to all the organizations working to better the lives of constituents in my district. Thank you for looking out for our community and keep up the great work!

Take care,

One-Year Anniversary of the CHIPS and Science Act

One year ago today, President Joe Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law. Already, this law is helping us fund American innovation, fight climate change, increase diversity in the STEM workforce, and bring good-paying jobs back to the U.S. Let's keep it up!

Schakowsky Speaks with League of Women Voters about Protecting Voting Rights 

For too long, we have seen corporations and the ultra-wealthy wield undue influence. It is past time we return power to the people. I joined the Evanston chapter of League of Women Voters to discuss how I am fighting in Congress to ensure safe, secure, and accessible elections for all.

Schakowsky Tours ICNA Resource Center and Food Pantry

I had the pleasure of visiting the resource center and food pantry at Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), an organization that serves over 10,000 people from over 80 countries each month. The organization assists with hunger prevention, family services, transitional housing, and more. ICNA's work highlights the importance of serving culturally affirming food. We must ensure organizations like ICNA have the resources they need to continue serving our community.

Thank you, District Interns!

Last week, I had lunch with my wonderful District Office summer interns. Thank you Eva, Ana, Michaela, and Marco for all of your hard work this summer. I am grateful for your dedication and passion in assisting the constituents of the 9th Congressional District. We will miss you!

Upcoming Neighborhood Office Hours with Constituent Advocates

Constituent Advocates will be holding neighborhood office hours to meet with constituents who need assistance with federal agencies or issues including: Social Security, Medicare, passports, immigration, the IRS, and the VA. 

Marie, a constituent whose son needed assistance obtaining an immigrant visa:

By late 2022, Marie's son had been waiting 10 years for an interview to obtain a visa to reunite with his mother. Their attorney had paid all of the fees and uploaded a completed DS-260 but encountered issues with uploading other necessary documents.

Their case was stalled indefinitely when their lawyer was unable to get in contact with the National Visa Center to remedy the technical difficulties. With the assistance of a Constituent Advocate in my District Office, as well as a congressional liaison at the National Visa Center, they were able to receive guidance on an alternative method to submitting these documents. 

While there was initially a communication barrier, Marie was persistent in advocating for her son and was able to receive assistance and reassurance from a French-speaking Constituent Advocate in my office. This past month she came to the office, with her son, to express her gratitude for the office's assistance. Below is a photo of Marie, her son, and Krissy, the Constituent Advocate who was able to help this family not only navigate our immigration system, but do so in their native language of French. 

Last Chance! Access Your Veterans Benefits

Thanks to the PACT Act, over 3 million toxic-exposed veterans can now access the health care they earned. There is no deadline to apply for these benefits but be sure to apply for backdated benefits by today, August 9th. For more information or to check if you or someone you know may be eligible, click here.

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.